psychoactive drugs

Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactivity and Dependence

Psychoactive Drugs

  • Definition: Chemical substances that alter perceptions, mood, or behavior.

  • Common Psychoactive Drugs: 1. Caffeine 2. Alcohol 3. Nicotine

  • Induce altered states of consciousness.

Common Properties of Addiction

  • Physical dependence

  • Tolerance

  • Withdrawal symptoms

  • Drug rebound effect

Drug Abuse

  • Definition: Recurrent drug use leading to disruption of academic, social, or occupational functioning, as well as potential legal or psychological problems.

Dependence

  • Definition: A physiological and/or psychological need for a drug following continued use; withdrawal symptoms occur if the drug is discontinued.

Tolerance

  • Definition: Reduced responsiveness to a drug, leading to increased dosage to achieve the effect once obtained at lower doses.

Withdrawal

  • Definition: Discomfort and distress following discontinuation of a drug, with symptoms often opposing the drug's effects.

Biopsychosocial Theory of Drug Abuse

  • Biological Influences: Genetic tendencies, dopamine reward circuit, significant stress, psychological disorders (e.g., depression).

  • Social-Cultural Influences: Urban environment, belonging to drug-using cultural groups, peer influences.

Drugs and Neurotransmission

  • Neurotransmission: Communication process between neurons; psychoactive drugs can interfere with this process.

Neurotransmitters

  • Definition: Chemical messengers that facilitate neuronal communication across synapses.

Synapse

  • Definition: Junction between sending neuron and receiving neuron (synaptic gap or cleft).

Reuptake

  • Definition: Process where unused neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron.

Psychoactive Drugs and Synapses

  • Effects: 1. Binding with receptor sites (mimicking neurotransmitters) 2. Blocking receptor sites 3. Blocking reuptake of neurotransmitters.

Drug Classifications

Four Psychoactive Drug Categories

  1. Depressants: Depress/inhibit brain activity.

  2. Opiates: Similar to morphine; induce euphoria and reduce pain.

  3. Stimulants: Excite brain activity.

  4. Hallucinogens/Psychedelics: Distort sensory perceptions.

Drug Classifications: Depressants

  • Definition: Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions (e.g., alcohol).

Alcohol

  • Description: CNS depressant found in beer, wine, liquor.

  • Effects: Slows thinking, impairs physical activity.

  • Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): .08 considered legal intoxication in most states.

  • Behavioral Effects: Vary by BAC level; can lead to impaired judgment, motor function, and severe reactions.

Alcohol and Memory

  • Alcohol impairs memory and REM sleep, disrupting memory processing.

Sedatives

  • Definition: Reduce anxiety or induce sleep (tranquilizers).

  • Examples: Barbiturates and benzodiazepines; can create dependency.

Inhalants

  • Definition: Chemicals inhaled to alter consciousness (e.g., paint, glue).

  • Effects: Low doses relax; high doses may induce hallucinations.

Drug Classifications: Opiates

  • Definition: Drugs that depress neural activity, lessen pain, and induce euphoria (e.g., opium, morphine).

Drug Classifications: Stimulants

  • Definition: Drugs that excite neural activity (e.g., caffeine, nicotine).

Cocaine

  • Description: Stimulant derived from coca leaves.

  • Effects: Blocks neurotransmitter reuptake, leading to dependency and severe health risks.

Drug Classifications: Hallucinogens

  • Definition: Drugs that distort perceptions (e.g., LSD, marijuana).

Ecstasy (MDMA)

  • Effects: Euphoria, lower inhibitions; can cause dehydration and lasting brain damage.

"Club" Drugs

  • Examples: Dissociative anesthetics like PCP and Ketamine; create feelings of depersonalization, possibly leading to severe physical responses.

Prevention and Treatment

  • Considerations: Triggers for addiction, body reactions, withdrawal processes, brain scans of addicts.