Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive Drugs

• substances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition or behavior

• acts on CNS

Agonists

• binds to neurotransmitter receptors & mimics their effects

• enhances neural activity

Antagonists

• binds to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them & blocks effects

Reuptake Inhibitors

• blocks the reabsorption of neurotransmitters in synaptic clept

• enhances neurotransmission

Stimulants

• drugs that increase neural activity leading to alertness, attention, and energy levels

Caffeine

• natural stimulant

• found in tea, coffee, sodas

• acts on CNS by increasing alertness and reducing fatigue

C0caine

• stimulant derived from the coca plant

• increases neural activity, leads to euphoria, increased energy levels & alertness

Depressants

• slows down neural activity & bodily functions

• relaxation, sedation and can lower inhibitions

Alcohol

• slows down neural activity in CNS

• impairs judgement, coordination, cognitive functions

Hallucinogens

• drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes

• causes hallucinations

• (LSD, MDMA, Ketamine, Salvia)

Marijuana

• contains THC

• alters mood, perception, and cognition

• reklaxation, and hightened sensory

Opioids

• acts on opioid receptors in the brain & body

• produces pain relief, euphoria and sedation

• (morphine, codeine, oxycontin, fetnental)

Heroin

• highly addictive opioid derived from morphine

• intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation

Tolerance

• increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same affects

Withdrawal

• physical symptoms due to absence of addictive drug

Addiction

• compulsive drug seeking & use, despite harmful consequences