psychoactive drugs

AP PSYCH

psychoactive drugs

drugs affect us because they interact with our NTs

blood brain barriers

a protective barrier that regulates what substances can enter the brain to the bloodstream

agonists

mimic or enhance NTs

-bind to receptor sites

-amplifies signals and makes a stronger/longer effect

antagonists

blocks or reduce NT activity 

-block NT binds - slow down communication

-reducing/stopping normal effect

reuptake inhibitors

prevent NT reabsorption, increasing its effect

-prolongs NT effect

addiction

a compulsive, uncontrollable craving and use of a substance despite negative consequences

tolerance

needing increasingly larger doses of a substance to achieve the same effect

withdrawl

physical and psychological symptoms that occur when substance use is reduced or stopped

stimulants

drugs that increase our neural activity and arousal

caffeine

blocks adenosine receptors

-reduces fatigue, increases alertness

cocaine 

increases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

-intense euphoria, energy, and alertness

depressants

drugs that decreases neural activity and slows down bodily functions

alcohol

enhances GABA activity, stops neural firing, producing relaxing effect

-slows reaction time, judgment, and motor coordination

-long term can lead to tolerance, dependence, live damage, and cognitive impairments 

opioids

drugs that can decrease pain and produce euphoria by mimicking endorphins

heroin 

binds to receptors, intense euphoria, pain relief 

-high risk of addiction, tolerance, withdrawl

-can cause respiratory depression and overdose

hallucinogens

drugs that alter perception, mood, and thought

marijuana (THC)

binds to cannabinoid receptors, alters mood, perception, and memory

-can produce feelings of relaxation, heightened sensory experiences, or impaired short term memory

-long term affect on attention, learning, and motivation