Drug Dependence

Psychoactive Drug

Substance that alters mood, perception, cognition, or behavior by affecting the nervous system.

Depressant

Drug that decreases neural activity and slows body functions.

Alcohol

Depressant that reduces inhibitions, impairs memory formation, and disrupts REM sleep.

Barbiturates

CNS depressants used for sleep or anxiety that impair memory and judgment.

Benzodiazepines

Anti-anxiety or sleep medications that enhance GABA activity.

GABA

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases neuronal firing.

Opiates

Drugs that relieve pain by acting on endorphin receptors.

Morphine

Opiate analgesic used for severe pain relief.

Heroin

Highly addictive opiate that produces euphoria.

Stimulant

Drug that increases neural activity and bodily functions.

Caffeine

Stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors and increases alertness.

Nicotine

Addictive stimulant that disrupts sleep and suppresses appetite.

Cocaine

Powerful stimulant that increases dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels.

Amphetamines

Stimulants that increase dopamine release and produce euphoria.

Methamphetamines

Highly addictive stimulants causing prolonged dopamine release.

Hallucinogen

Drug that alters perception and produces sensory distortions or hallucinations.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects that increases serotonin and dopamine.

LSD

Hallucinogen that disrupts serotonin signaling and causes visual hallucinations.

Marijuana

Mild hallucinogen that impairs coordination, memory, and inhibition.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Main psychoactive chemical in marijuana.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal body conditions.

Tolerance

Reduced response to a drug requiring higher doses for the same effect.

Withdrawal

Physical and psychological symptoms occurring after stopping prolonged drug use.

Overdose

Dangerous toxic reaction caused by excessive drug intake.

Oral Administration

Drug entry through ingestion; slow absorption through the GI tract.

Inhalation

Rapid drug delivery through breathing or smoking into the lungs.

Intravenous Injection

Drug delivery directly into veins causing rapid effects.

Transdermal Administration

Drug absorption through the skin over an extended period.

Intramuscular Injection

Drug injection into muscle for slow or rapid absorption.

Reward Pathway

Dopamine-based brain circuit associated with pleasure and reinforcement.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and reinforcement.

Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

Midbrain structure that produces dopamine for the reward pathway.

Mesolimbic Pathway

Dopamine pathway involved in reward, motivation, and addiction.

Nucleus Accumbens

Brain region involved in reward, pleasure, and motivated behavior.

Amygdala

Brain structure involved in emotional processing and reward association

Hippocampus

Brain structure important for memory formation.

Prefrontal Cortex

Brain region involved in planning, decision-making, and attention.

Substance-Induced Disorder

Mental or physical disorder caused directly by substance use.

Intoxication

Drug-specific behavioral and psychological effects while under the influence.

Intoxication

Drug-specific behavioral and psychological effects while under the influence.

Substance Use Disorder

Persistent drug use causing significant impairment or distress

Detoxification (Detox)

Process of removing a drug from the body during treatment.

Methadone

Long-acting opioid medication used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Treatment delivering controlled nicotine doses to reduce cravings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy focused on changing harmful thoughts and behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing

Counseling method that strengthens a person’s internal motivation to change.