Psychoactive Drugs: Influence on Consciousness

Psychoactive Drugs

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

-They act on the central nervous system and can be categorized into stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids.

Agonists - (AGonists ACTivate)

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and mimic their effects, enhancing neural activity.

AGonists…

ACTivate

Antagonists - (ANTagonists ANTagonize)

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them, blocking the effects of neurotransmitters.

ANTagonists…

ANTagonize

Reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, thereby increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and enhancing neurotransmission.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity and arousal, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels.

Caffeine

A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and some sodas. It acts on the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine.

Cocaine

-A powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant. It increases neural activity, leading to euphoria, increased energy, and alertness.

-Cocaine works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down neural activity and bodily functions. They induce relaxation, sedation, and can lower inhibitions.

Alcohol

Depressant drug that slows down neural activity in the central nervous system. It can impair judgment, coordination, and cognitive functions, leading to relaxation, euphoria, and in higher doses, intoxication.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often causing hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness.

Marijuana

-Psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It contains THC, which alters mood, perception, and cognition. Effects include relaxation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory experiences.

-Marijuana can produce some hallucinogenic-like effects in certain individuals, it is not typically considered a true hallucinogen.

Opioids

Psychoactive drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.

Heroin

A highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. It produces intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects. It occurs due to the brain's adaptation to the drug, leading to reduced sensitivity to its effects over time.

Withdrawal

The onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use. Symptoms can include physical discomfort, psychological distress, and cravings for the drug.

Addiction

A chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It involves changes in brain structure and function, leading to a loss of control over drug consumption.

Your Body on Drugs | Curiosity

Robin Williams, who experienced both the highs and lows of substance abuse, hosted a groundbreaking experiment in which four heavy users on four of America's most abused drugs performed a series of physical tests to show exactly how drugs work.