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How are drugs classified and how do they mimic
neurotransmitters?
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
HOW DO PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS WORK
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They mimic neurotransmitters or “inhibit” the
reuptake of the neurotransmitters
WHY DO PEOPLE USE PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS?
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Psychoactive drugs
Tolerance
Physical dependence
Psychological dependence
Withdrawal
Addiction
Expectancy
Blood brain barrier
VOCAB
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Depressants
Stimulants
Hallucinogens
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
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Substances that act on the nervous system to
alter consciousness, modify perceptions, and
change moods
EXPECTANCY
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When using drugs : some changes in behavior
and cognitive processes are due to
physiological processes, but some are due to
expectations about the drug
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TOLERANCE
 Physiological
change that requires increasing
amounts of a drug to feel the same effect
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PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE
 Physiological
need for a drug that causes
unpleasant withdrawal symptoms
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PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE
 Strong
desire to repeat the use of a drug for
emotional reasons (reduce stress, well-being)
ADDICTION
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A physical or psychological dependence on a
drug or both
THE ROLE OF THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER
Thick walls surrounding the brain’s blood
vessels to protect it from harmful chemicals in
the bloodstream
 Psychoactive drugs are made up of molecules
that are small enough to pass through (mimic
neurotransmitters)
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HOW ARE DRUGS CLASSIFIED?
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Depressants
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Stimulants
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Hallucinogens
DEPRESSANTS:PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS THAT
SLOW DOWN MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
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 Alcohol,
barbiturates, tranquilizers, and opiates
OPIATES: HEROIN AND MORPHINE
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Depress the nervous system
 Heroin
addictions are frequently treated with
Methadone: a drug that blocks the effects of
heroin) and it blocks heroin withdrawal symptoms
STIMULANTS: SPEED UP BODY PROCESSES INCLUDING
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTIONS SUCH AS
HEART RATE AND RESPIRATION RATE
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Caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine
HALLUCINOGENS (PSYCHEDELICS):
CAUSE CHANGES IN PERCEPTIONS OF REALITY
(INCLUDING HALLUCINATIONS, LOSS OF IDENTITY AND
FANTASY)
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Marijuana, LSD(lysergic acid diethylamide),
MDMA (Ecstasy)