AP Psych Meyers Unit 2 Part 2

AP Psychology

psychoactive drug

chemicals that impair the brain that help us with mental processes, behavior, and making good decisions

four types of psychoactive drugs

hallucinogens, opiates, depressants, stimulants

hallucinogens

produce changes in consciousness by altering perceptions, creating hallucinations and changing how we see ourselves in the environment

common hallucinogens

mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, PCP, cannabis

opiates

highly addictive drugs made from the opium poppy, produce a feeling of well being and can temporarily relieve pain, suppressing sensations from stimulation

common opiates

morphine, heroin, codeine, methadone

depressants

slow the mental and physical activity of the body by preventing CNS activity, relieving symptoms of pain or anxiety in ok doses, but impairing reflexes/judgement if overused, can be addicted

common depressants

barbiturates, denzodiazepines, alcohol

stimulants

unlike depressants, speed up activity in the CNS. This boosts mental/physical activity, concentration, reduces hyperactive behavior found in ADHD, can prevent narcolepsy attacks

common stimulants

cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, nicotine

mescaline

comes from a cactus, produces changes in consciousness, not psychological dependence, unknown physical dependence

psilocybin

comes from a mushroom, same as mescaline

LSD

synthetic drug from a lab, creates hallucinations, no addiction

PCP

synthetic drug from a lab, can create unpredictable hallucinations and creates a feeling of dissociation, high physical dependence

cannabis

comes from the hemp plant, can create mild highs or long hallucinations, can temporarily inhibit memory and motor coordination, not very addictive

morphine

highly addictive, good for pain relief

heroin

highly addictive, comes from morphine but more addictive, gives a rush of euphoria but doesn't affect cognitive abilities, must use often

codeine

moderately addictive, good for pain relief

methadone

low psychological high physical, synthetic, drug level increases slowly so no rush

barbiturates are also

sleeping pills

sleeping pills

induce sleep but reduce REM, lethal dose is close to prescribed does, moderately addicitve

benzodiazepines

safer than sleeping pills, prescribed for anxiety, moderately addictive, overdoes cause poor muscle coordination, slurred speech, weakness

alcohol

one of the first, variety of responses loosening inhibition by depressing brain activity that monitors our thoughts and behaviors, can be relaxing but impair coordination/mental processing, moderately addictive

cocaine

produces rush of intense pleasure, highly addictive, and overuse can cause hallucinations, euphoric highs and depressive lows

amphetamines

highly addictive, speed, similar to cocaine

methamphetamines

highly addictive variant of amphetamines

MDMA

moderately addictive, ecstasy, creates a feeling of euphoria, dehydration/convulsions

caffeine

low level addiction, arouses heart, blood circulation, etc, stimulates the brain's rewards pathways, high doses can cause anxiety

nicotine

addiction low to high, similar to caffeine but more dangerous and are associated w/ cancer/heart problems, more dangerous than all other psychoactives combined

tolerance

the reduced effectiveness of a drug from repeated use

addiction

when a user uses a drug despite its harmful effects and attempts to stop, physical or psychological or both

physical dependence

the body adjusts to and creates a need for a drug to get by everyday

withdrawal

pattern of uncomfortable physical or mental symptoms when a user stops using. Trembling, sweating, nausea, sensitivity to pain, or death for alcoholism

psychological dependence

user's desire for a drug and its effects, even if not physically dependent