Psychoactive Drugs and Substance Use Disorder

These flashcards cover key concepts related to psychoactive drugs, tolerance, addiction, and their effects on the body and behavior.

Psychoactive Drug

A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods.

Tolerance

The diminishing effect of a drug with regular use, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.

Neuroadaptation

The brain's adaptation to offset the effects of a drug.

Substance Use Disorder

A disorder characterized by continued craving and use of a substance despite significant disruption or physical risks.

Withdrawal

The discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow bodily functions.

Alcohol Use Disorder

A problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress.

Barbiturates

Drugs that suppress central nervous system activity, reduce anxiety, but impair memory and judgment.

Opiates

Opium and its derivatives that depress neural activity and temporarily lessen pain and anxiety.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up bodily functions.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant drug derived from the coca plant that produces temporary euphoria and increases alertness.

Methamphetamine

A drug that stimulates the central nervous system, increasing energy and mood but reducing baseline dopamine levels over time.

Ecstasy

A synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen that produces euphoria but has short term health risks.

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.

LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)

A powerful hallucinogenic drug that can cause euphoria, detachment, and panic.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The major active ingredient in marijuana that produces various effects including mild hallucinations.

Difference between addiction and dependence?

Addiction is the continued use of a substance even though there are adverse consquences, and dependence is the biological necessity for a substance

How to spot addiction

The 3 Ds. Deviant behavior, Distressful behavior, and Dysfunctional behavior