AP Psych Psychoactive Drugs

depressants

slow down the body systems and functions including neural activity

stimulants

excite neural activity and speed up body functions, produce tolerance and withdrawal

hallucinogens

distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input, loss of identity, hallucinations, vivid fantasies

alcohol

depressant

pleasurable: initial high followed by relaxation and disinhibition

negatives: depression, memory loss, organ damage, impaired reactions

heroin

depressant

pleasurable: rush of euphoria, pain relief

negatives: depressed physiology, agonizing withdrawal

caffeine

stimulant

pleasurable: increased alertness and wakefulness

negatives: anxiety, restlessness, insomnia in high doses; uncomfortable withdrawal

nicotine

stimulant

pleasurable: arousal and relaxation, sense of well-being

negatives: heart disease, cancer, stress

cocaine

stimulant

pleasurable: rush of euphoria, confidence, energy

negatives: cardiovascular stress, depressive crash, suspiciousness

methamphetamine

stimulant

pleasurable: euphoria, alertness, energy

negatives: irritability, insomnia, seizures, hypertension

ecstasy/MDMA

stimulant; mild hallucinogen

pleasurable: emotional elevation, disinhibition

negatives: dehydration, overheating, depressed mood, impaired cognitive and immune functioning

LSD

hallucinogen

pleasurable: visual “trip”

negatives: risk of panic

marijuana

mild hallucinogen

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

negatives: impaired learning and memory, lung damage (smoke), increased risk of psychological disorders