How Psychoactive Drugs Work

Flashcards covering the mechanisms of psychoactive drugs, different drug categories (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, opiates), their effects on neurotransmitters, and related concepts like tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.

Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that affect the central nervous system by altering the way neurons communicate.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse, affected by psychoactive drugs.

Reuptake

The process that clears neurotransmitters from the synapse.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down activity in the brain and body.

GABA

A neurotransmitter whose activity is increased by depressants.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter whose activity is decreased by depressants.

Examples of Depressants

Alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase brain activity and boost alertness and energy.

Neurotransmitters affected by Stimulants

Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin.

Examples of Stimulants

Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that distort perception and cause hallucinations.

Neurotransmitter affected by Hallucinogens

Mainly serotonin.

Examples of Hallucinogens

LSD, psilocybin, PCP.

Opiates (Narcotics)

Drugs that reduce pain and produce a feeling of euphoria.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers whose effects are mimicked by opiates.

Examples of Opiates

Heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone.

Tolerance

Needing more of a drug to get the same effect as the brain adapts to its presence.

Physical Dependence

The condition where the body needs the drug to function normally.

Psychological Dependence

Craving the drug for emotional or mental relief.

Withdrawal

Symptoms that occur when stopping a drug, which can be physical (e.g., shaking, pain) or psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression).