The cycle/process of addiction is as follows:

• Take psychoactive drug —> chemicals act on neural sites —> withdrawal occurs —> crave drug more —> need more of the drug to get the same feeling (tolerance ) —> the cycle continues.

A psychoactive drug is a chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods.

• Includes illegal drugs (LSD, heroin, cocaine), prescribed drugs (painkillers), and legal drugs (cocaine).

A substance abuse disorder is an addiction disorder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk.

Tolerance is the diminishing effect with regular uses of the same dose of the drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the effect.

• This worsens the addiction.

Withdrawal is the discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior.

Alcohol use disorder (popularly known as alcoholism) is alcohol use marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and a drive to continue problematic use, leading to alcohol addiction.

• Alcoholism is the most common substance use disorder not just because of its properties, but because of its accessibility.

Alcohol can lead to slowed neural processing, memory disruption, reduced self-awareness, and expectancy effects.

• Alcohol is a depressant.

Barbiturates are drugs that depress the central nervous system activity, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment.

• Also known as tranquilizers.

• Some are prescribed to induce sleep or reduce anxiety — such as Nembutal and Amytal.

• If paired with alcohol, the depressive effects on the body can be lethal.

Opiates, opium, and its derivatives depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety.

• Morphine and heroin are common opiates.

• Some opiates are medically provided, and they are different than the types one would get illegally.

• Opiates make you feel a state of euphoria for some time; your pupils constrict, breathing slows, and lethargy sets in.

• Often, those addicted will always crave it and need higher doses because of their tolerance; if they do not get it, they will experience intense withdrawals.

Psychoactive drugs will trick your body into not producing the natural neurotransmitters, which causes the body to be reliant on the artificial drug.

• The drugs block the process of reuptake.

• Leads to withdrawal and tolerance.

Stimulant: Caffeine allows for increased alertness and wakefulness.

• It can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia when taken in high doses; there is an uncomfortable withdrawal.

Stimulant: Methamphetamine allows for euphoria, alertness, and energy.

• It can lead to instability, insomnia, hypertension, and seizures.

Stimulant: Cocaine allows for a rush of euphoria, confidence, and energy.

• It can lead to cardiovascular stress. suspiciousness, and a depressive crash.

Stimulant: Nicotine allows for arousal, relaxation, and a sense of well-being.

• It can cause heart disease and many types of cancer.

Stimulant/mild hallucinogen: Ecstasy (MDMA) allows for emotional elevation to the user and allows for disinhibitation.

• It can lead to dehydration, overheating, depressed mood, and impaired cognition and immune functioning.

Mild hallucinogen: Marijuana allows for enhanced sensation, relief of pain, distortion of time, and relaxation.

• It can cause impaired learning and memory, an increased risk of psychological disorders, lung damage from the smoke, and more.

Hallucinogen: LSD allows for a “visual trip” marked by somewhat pleasurable hallucinations.

• It can cause an increased sense of panic.

Depressant: Alcohol allows for an initial high followed by relaxation and disinhibition

• It can cause depression, memory loss, organ damage (specifically the liver), and impaired reactions.

Depressant: Heroin allows for a rush of euphoria and relief from pain.

• It can lead to depressed physiology and agonizing withdrawal.