Psychoactive Drugs

depressants

Causes decreased neural activity & slowed body functions.

stimulants

Excite neural activity/speed up body processes - mildly to very addictive.

hallucinogens

Distort perceptions - not addictive to mildly addictive.

alcohol (what type)

depressant

alcohol (what it does)

Disrupts memory formation

Reduction of self-awareness & normal decision making

barbiturates (what type)

depressant

barbiturates (what it does)

Tranquilizers - used as sleep aid/anxiety

GABA agonist

opiates (what type)

depressant

opiates (what it does)

Lessens pain & anxiety

Feelings of intense pleasure - endorphin agonist

Examples: Heroin, codeine, oxycontin, opium

anxiolytics (what type)

depressant

anxiolytics (what it does)

Anti-anxiety drugs - Valium, Xanax

Not as addictive or dangerous as barbiturates

GABA agonist

nicotine (what type)

stimulant

nicotine (what it does)

Found in tobacco

Boost alertness/calm anxiety

Dopamine/norepinephrine agonist

cocaine (what type)

stimulant

cocaine (what it does)

Rush of euphoria, alertness, & self-confidence followed by a crash

Dopamine agonist

methamphetamine (what type)

stimulant

methamphetamine (what it does)

Enhanced energy and mood for about 8 hours, followed by crash

Dopamine agonist

ecstasy (what type)

stimulant

ecstasy (what it does)

Stimulant & mild hallucinogen

High energy and emotional elevation

Extreme dehydration/long-term depression

Dopamine & serotonin agonist

LSD (what type)

hallucinogen

LSD (what it does)

Very powerful

See colors/shapes/patterns + strong emotional experience

Mood affects "trip"

marijuana (what type)

hallucinogen

marijuana (what it does)

THC - mild hallucinogenic qualities

Amplifies sensitivity to our senses + relaxes/euphoria

Alleviates chronic pain