Psychoactive Drugs

depressant

alcohol - type

alcohol

- causing memory problems

- poor motor coordination

- suppress heartbeat and breathing

depressant

barbiturates - type

barbiturates

- cause relaxation

- mild euphoria

- loss of muscle coordination

- lowered attention

- ex. sleeping pills and "downers"

depressant

tranquilizers - type

tranguilizers

- cause relaxation & sleep

- reduce anxiety; ex. valium

stimulant

amphetamines - type

amphetamines

- stimulate the brain

- raise heart rate and blood pressure

- reduce appetite

- increase alertness

stimulant

cocaine - type

cocaine

- causes euphoria

- self-confidence

- optimism

- increases norepinephrine & dopamine

stimulant

caffeine - type

caffeine

- reduces drowsiness

- increases capacity for work

- increases anxiety

- world's most popular drug

stimulant

nicotine - type

nicotine

- elevated moods

- improved memories

- increase in attention

opiate

opium - type

opium

- reduces pain

- causes relaxation

- feelings of wellbeing

opiate

morphine - type

morphine

- relieves pain

- causes euphoria

- derived from opium

opiate

heroin - type

heroin

- relieves pain

- causes euphoria

- derived from morphine; 3 times as powerful

hallucinogen

LSD - type

LSD

- hallucinations

- short-term memory loss

- paranoia

- violent outbursts

- panic attacks

hallucinogen

marijuana - type

marijuana

- euphoria

- relaxation

- hunger cravings

- increase in vivid sensation

- disruption of memory formation

- confused reasoning skills

- motor skills impairment

hallucinogen

PCP - type

PCP

- euphoria

- hallucinations

- violent tendencies

- masking of pain

- breathing difficulties

- seizures

self-inflicted injuries