1.9 psychoactive drugs

psychoactive drugs

substance that alters brain function (changes in perception, mood, consciousness..)

agonists

substances that bind to the neurotransmitter to mimic their effects

antagonists

substances that bind to the neurotransmitter to block/stop its effects

reuptake inhibitors

an agonist/medication that blocks reabsorption of neurotransmitters, enhancing neurotransmission

stimulants

increases neural activity and arousal; alertness, attention, energy

caffeine

stimulant commonly found in coffee, tea, sodas; acts on the CNS, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue

cocaine

stimulant derived from the coca plant (leads to euphoria, increased energy + alertness, blocking the reuptake of dopamine)

depressants

decreases neural activity and bodily functions (increases relaxation, sedation..)

alcohol

depressant drug that slows down neural activity in the CNS; leads to relaxation, euphoria, intoxication

hallucinogens

psychoactive drugs that alter perception, mood, cognitive processes

marijuana

psychoactive drug containing THC, which induces relaxation, alters perceptions (not a hallucinogen)

opioids

drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain and body; pain relief, euphoria

heroin

highly addictive drug derived from morphine (intense euphoria, pain relief, sedation)

tolerance

increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance needed to achieve the same effects

withdrawal

what people feel when they stop using psychoactive drugs after using them for a long time (discomfort, craving for the drugs)

addiction

compulsive drug usage, despite harmful consequences (changes in brain fuction/structure)