9.3 Psychoactive Drugs and Substance Use Disorder

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to psychoactive drugs, their effects, and associated psychological concepts.

depressant

A drug that tends to suppress central nervous system activity.

hallucinogen

A class of drugs that results in profound alterations in sensory and perceptual experiences, often with vivid hallucinations.

physical dependence

Changes in normal bodily functions that cause a drug user to experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.

psychoactive drugs

Chemical substances that alter brain functioning, causing changes to consciousness, perception, mood, and thoughts.

psychological dependence

Emotional, rather than physical, need for a drug that may be used to relieve psychological distress.

stimulant

A drug that tends to increase overall levels of neural activity, including caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine.

substance use disorder

DSM-5 diagnosis for those who show a compulsive pattern of drug use associated with both physical and psychological dependence.

tolerance

A state of requiring increasing quantities of the drug to gain the desired effect.

withdrawal

A variety of negative symptoms experienced when drug use is discontinued.