Psychoactive Drugs

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to psychoactive drugs and their effects on the brain.

Psychoactive Drugs

Any chemical substance that alters brain function and changes mood, perception, or consciousness.

Blood Brain Barrier

A filter controlling which molecules pass from the blood into the brain, allowing fat-soluble psychoactive drugs to cross readily.

Agonists

Substances that bind with receptors to support an action, mimicking neurotransmitters.

Antagonists

Substances that block receptor sites to suppress an action without stimulating the receptor.

Tolerance

The diminishing effect of a drug due to regular use, requiring larger doses for the same effect.

Dependence

The need for a drug to relieve physical pain (physical dependence) or negative thoughts and emotions (psychological dependence).

Addiction

Compulsive craving for a drug despite negative consequences, often associated with lack of impulse control.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the activity of the CNS, reducing tension and inhibitions; examples include alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase CNS activity, speeding up body functions and arousal response; examples include caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perceptions of reality and distort sensory and perceptual experiences; examples include LSD, PCP, and marijuana.

Caffeine withdrawal

Symptoms following cessation of caffeine consumption, including fatigue and headaches.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

A stimulant and mild hallucinogen that triggers serotonin release and prevents its reabsorption, potentially leading to permanent depression.

Marijuana (THC)

A mild hallucinogen that can have stimulant effects at higher doses and depressant effects at lower doses, with low physical and moderate psychological addiction.

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

A hallucinogen that causes hours of mild euphoria and hallucinations, non-addictive but can produce bad trips.

Withdrawal symptoms

Discomfort and distress that follow the discontinuation of an addictive drug, including tremors, nausea, and irritability.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals in the brain affected by drugs, altering consciousness and how messages are transmitted between neurons.