Download 171 Major Types of Psychoactive Drugs

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MODU LE 4.4
Concept 4.35
Drug abuse and dependence are
complex problems arising from an
interplay of social, biological, and
psychological factors.
171
on the body (Leshner, 1999). Pressure from peers and exposure to family members who use alcohol or other drugs are important influences in leading young
people to begin experimenting with drugs (“Peers Sway,” 2001; Simons-Morton
et al., 2001). Some young people who feel alienated from mainstream culture
come to identify with subcultures in which drug use is sanctioned or encouraged,
such as the gang subculture. While initiation into drug use may be motivated by
the desire to “fit in” or appear “cool” in the eyes of peers, people generally continue using drugs because of the pleasurable effects of the drugs themselves. With
prolonged use of a drug, the body comes to depend on a steady supply of it, leading to physiological dependence. As people become chemically dependent, they
CONCEPT CHART 4.4
Hallucinogens
Stimulants
Depressants
Major Types of Psychoactive Drugs
Drug
Potential for
Psychological/
Physiological
Dependence
Alcohol
Major Psychological Effects
Major Risks
Yes/Yes
Induces relaxation, mild euphoria, and
intoxication; relieves anxiety; reduces mental
alertness and inhibitions; impairs concentration, judgment, coordination, and balance
With heavy use, can cause liver disorders
and other physical problems; in overdose,
can cause coma or death
Barbiturates
and
tranquilizers
Yes/Yes
Reduces mental alertness; induces relaxation
and calm; may produce pleasurable rush
(barbiturates)
High addictive potential; dangerous in overdose and when mixed with alcohol and
other drugs
Opioids
Yes/Yes
Induces relaxation and a euphoric rush; may
temporarily blot out awareness of personal
problems
High addictive potential; in overdose, may
cause sudden death
Amphetamines
Yes/Yes
Boosts mental alertness; reduces need for
sleep; induces pleasurable rush; causes loss
of appetite
In high doses, can induce psychotic
symptoms and cardiovascular irregularities
that may lead to coma or death
Cocaine
Yes/Yes
Effects similar to those of amphetamines but
shorter-lived
High addictive potential; risk of sudden
death from overdose; in high doses, can
have psychotic effects; risk of nasal defects
from “snorting”
MDMA
(“Ecstasy”)
Yes/Yes
Mild euphoria and hallucinogenic effects
High doses can be lethal; may lead to
depression or other psychological effects;
may impair learning, attention, and memory
Nicotine
Yes/Yes
Increases mental alertness; produces mild rush
but paradoxically may have relaxing and calming effects
Strong addictive potential; implicated in
various cancers, cardiovascular disease,
and other physical disorders
Caffeine
Yes/Yes
Increases mental alertness and wakefulness
In high doses, can cause jitteriness and
sleeplessness; may increase risk of
miscarriage during pregnancy
LSD
Yes/No
Produces hallucinations and other sensory
distortions
Intense anxiety, panic, or psychotic reactions
associated with “bad trips”; flashbacks
Marijuana
Yes/No
Induces relaxation and mild euphoria; can
produce hallucinations
In high doses, can cause nausea, vomiting,
disorientation, panic, and paranoia; possible
health risks from regular use