psychoactive drugs

Alcohol

A depressant that produces initial high followed by relaxation and disinhibition; possible negative effects include depression, memory loss, organ damage, and impaired reactions.

Heroin

A depressant that causes a rush of euphoria and relief from pain; can result in depressed physiology and loss of natural endorphin function.

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases alertness and wakefulness; high doses may lead to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.

Nicotine

A stimulant that provides arousal and relaxation along with a sense of well-being; associated with heart disease and cancer.

Cocaine

A stimulant known for producing a rush of euphoria, confidence, and energy; negative effects include cardiovascular stress and a depressive crash.

Methamphetamine

A stimulant creating euphoria, alertness, and energy; associated with irritability, insomnia, hypertension, and seizures.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

A stimulant and mild hallucinogen that elicits emotional elevation and disinhibition; risks include dehydration, overheating, low mood, and impaired functioning.

LSD

A hallucinogen that produces visual "trips"; carries the risk of panic.

Marijuana (THC)

A mild hallucinogen providing enhanced sensation and pain relief; can impair learning and memory and increase the risk of psychological disorders.

Depressant

A type of drug that reduces neural activity and slows body functions; heroin and alcohol

Stimulant

A type of drug that increases neural activity and speeds up body function; caffeine, nicotine, cocaine,methamphetamine, ecstasy.

Hallucinogen

A type of drug that distorts perceptions and evokes sensory images without input from the senses; ecstasy(mild), LSD, marijuana

Euphoria

A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness. Effect of cocaine, heroin, Mathamphetamine

Impaired functioning

Decreased ability to think, learn, or perform tasks, potentially resulting from drug use; ecstasy

Overheating

A dangerous condition that can occur during stimulant use, particularly ecstasy.

Seizures

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, which can occur as a side effect of certain stimulants; methamphetamine

Pain relief

A common effect sought through the use of certain drugs like heroin and marijuana.

Addiction

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Tolerance

A state in which a person's body becomes resistant to a drug's effects, leading to increased consumption.

Withdrawal

A series of physical and mental symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing intake of a drug.

Psychoactive substances

Chemicals that affect the brain and result in changes in mood, perception, and behavior.

Sensation enhancement

An increased perception of sensory stimuli, often experienced with substances like marijuana.

Distortion of time

A change in the perception of time flow, often noted with the use of hallucinogens; marijuna

Impaired cognition

Reduced ability to think, understand, and process information that can occur with drug use;ecstasy

Psychological disorders

Mental health conditions that may escalate in risk with the use of certain drugs.