Download Psychoactive Drugs Notes

Drugs and altered consciousness
Psychoactive drugs: drugs that affect the brain and change consciousness
How do they work?
 drugs change the way our neurotransmitters work
neurotransmitter: chemicals that neurons use to communicate with each other



Agonists: bind to receptor sites and mimic neurotransmitters
Antagonists: bind to receptor sites and prevent neurotransmitters from binding
Increasing or decreasing release of neurotransmitters
Categories of drugs:
1. Depressants- reduce the activity of the central nervous system
 Barbiturates
o Relaxation, mild euphoria, loss of muscle coordination
o Sleeping pills
o Memory and judgment impaired
o High potential for physical and psychological addiction

Opiates
o Depress neural activity, lessen pain and anxiety
o Analgesic - painkiller
o High potential for physical and psychological addiction

Alcohol- most widely used and abused recreational drug in America
o Memory problems, poor coordination, suppress breathing, reduces selfawareness, permanent brain and liver damage
o High potential for physical and psychological addiction
2. Stimulants –increase behavioral and mental activity
 Cocaine
o Causes self-confidence, euphoria, optimism
o Crack is purified, fast-acting, and potent cocaine
o High potential for physical and psychological addiction

MDMA (Ecstasy)
o Visual hallucinations, hyperactivity, fatigue, poor concentration
o Long term effects include permanent brain damage and panic disorder
o Low potential for physical and psychological dependence

Amphetamines
o Causes speeded-up body functions and mood and energy changes
o Methamphetamines – crystal-like solid chunks
o High potential for physical and psychological dependence

Nicotine
o Elevated moods, improved memory, increase in attention
o Major risk for cancer and heart disease
o Strong psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms

Caffeine
o Reduces drowsiness improves problem-solving ability, induces anxiety,
causes tremors
o A moderate potential exists for physical and psychological dependence
3. Psychedelics (hallucinogens) – cause loss of contact with reality
 LSD (acid)
o Short term memory loss, paranoia, flashbacks, panic attacks
o Low potential for physical and psychological dependence

PCP (angel dust)
o Euphoria, hallucinations, violent tendencies, masking of pain
o High potential for physical and psychological dependence

Marijuana
o Euphoria, relaxation, time distortion
o Active ingredient is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
o Originates from hemp plant
o Low potential for physical and moderate potential for psychological
dependence