Psychoactive drugs

Depressants

Dampen neural activity and slow body functions

Stimulants

Excite neural activity and speed up body functions, triggering energy and mood changes. Can be highly addictive

Hallucinogens

Distort perceptions and evoke hallucinations(sensory images in the absence of sensory input), some of which resemble the altered consciousness of near-death experiences.

Depressant Examples

Alcohol, Barbiturates, Opioids(Heroin)

Stimulant Examples

Caffeine, Nicotine, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy(MDMA)

Hallucinogen Examples

Ecstasy(mild hallucinogen), LSD, Marijuana(mild hallucinogen)

Alcohol

Pleasurable: Initial high followed by relaxation and disinhibition

Negative: Depression, memory loss, organ damage, impaired reactions

Heroin

Pleasurable: Rush of euphoria, relief from pain

Negative: Depressed physiology, loss of natural endorphin function

caffeine

Pleasurable: Increased alertness and wakefulness

Negative: Anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia in high doses

Nicotine

Pleasurable: Arousal and relaxation, sense of well being

Negative: Heart disease, cancer

Cocaine

Pleasurable: Rush of euphoria, confidence, energy

Negative: Cardiovascular stress, suspiciousness, depressive crash

Methamphetamine

Pleasurable: Euphoria, alertness, energy

Negative: Irritability, insomnia, hypertension, seizures

Ecstasy

Pleasurable: Emotional elevation, disinhibition

Negative: Dehydration, overheating, depressed mood, impaired cognitive and immune functioning

LSD

Pleasurable: Visual “trip”

Negative: Risk of panic

Marijuana

Pleasurable: enhanced sensation, relief of pain, distortion of time, relaxation

Negative: Impaired learning and memory, increased risk of psychological disorders