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AP PSYCH 2.8 The Adaptable Brain

Psychoactive Drugs

  • Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances used to alter one’s perception, mood, or consciousness

  • Often associated with physical and psychological dependence

Depressants

Effects

  • These are drugs that reduce neural activity

  • Slowing body functions, “depressing” the body

Examples

  • Sleeping pills

  • Tranquilizers

  • Alcohol

Opioids

Effects

  • Depressant effect

  • Pain relief

    • An agonist for endorphins

Examples

  • Morphine

  • Oxycodone

  • Heroine

  • Codeine

Stimulants

Effects

  • Drugs that excite neural activity

  • They speed up bodily functions, “stimulating” the body

Examples

  • Caffeine

  • Nicotine

  • Amphetamines

  • Cocaine

Hallucinogens

Effects

  • Also called psychedelics

  • They distort perceptions

  • Evoke hallucinations

    • Sensations in the absence of sensory input

Examples

  • LSD

    • Lysergic acid diethylamide

  • Marijuana

    • One of many effects

    • THC is the active component

Q

AP PSYCH 2.8 The Adaptable Brain

Psychoactive Drugs

  • Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances used to alter one’s perception, mood, or consciousness

  • Often associated with physical and psychological dependence

Depressants

Effects

  • These are drugs that reduce neural activity

  • Slowing body functions, “depressing” the body

Examples

  • Sleeping pills

  • Tranquilizers

  • Alcohol

Opioids

Effects

  • Depressant effect

  • Pain relief

    • An agonist for endorphins

Examples

  • Morphine

  • Oxycodone

  • Heroine

  • Codeine

Stimulants

Effects

  • Drugs that excite neural activity

  • They speed up bodily functions, “stimulating” the body

Examples

  • Caffeine

  • Nicotine

  • Amphetamines

  • Cocaine

Hallucinogens

Effects

  • Also called psychedelics

  • They distort perceptions

  • Evoke hallucinations

    • Sensations in the absence of sensory input

Examples

  • LSD

    • Lysergic acid diethylamide

  • Marijuana

    • One of many effects

    • THC is the active component

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