Psychoactive Substances Flashcards

Flashcards covering vocabulary related to psychoactive substances, including types of drugs and their effects.

Psychoactive Substances

Substances that affect the central nervous system and alter brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior.

Agonists

Drugs that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonists

Drugs that block the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synapse.

Depressants

A class of psychoactive drugs that decrease arousal and stimulation, leading to reduced activity and excitability.

Alcohol

A type of depressant that targets GABA receptors and inhibits glutamate, leading to decreased brain activity.

Barbiturates

A type of depressant with sedative and hypnotic properties.

Benzodiazepines

A type of depressant often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.

Stimulants

A class of psychoactive drugs that increase activity in the brain, leading to heightened alertness, energy, and focus.

Caffeine

A commonly consumed stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks.

Nicotine

A highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant extracted from coca leaves that blocks dopamine reuptake.

Amphetamines/ Methamphetamines

A stimulant that increases dopamine synthesis, used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity.

Psychedelics

Psychoactive substances that can cause hallucinations, altered perceptions, and changes in thought processes.

Mescaline

A psychedelic found in certain cacti.

LSD

A potent synthetic psychedelic.

Psilocybin

A psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms.

DMT

A potent psychedelic compound.

Ketamine

A dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects.

PCP

A dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects.

Opiates

A class of psychoactive drugs derived from opium poppy that relieve pain and produce euphoria.

Morphine

An opiate used for pain relief.

Codeine

An opiate used for pain relief, less potent than morphine.

Heroin

A highly addictive opiate derived from morphine.

Methadone

A synthetic opioid used for pain management and opioid substitution therapy.

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid used for pain management, much more potent than morphine.

Cannabis

A psychoactive substance derived from the cannabis plant, known for its relaxing and euphoric effects.

Marijuana

A product of the cannabis plant.

Hashish

A more potent form of cannabis made from resin.

Hashish Oil

A concentrated form of cannabis.