5.2 Altering Consciousness With Psychoactive Drugs

Question 1

psychoactive drug

Answer 1

• a chemical that changes our states of consciousness, and particularly our perceptions and moods

Question 2

four primary classes of psychoactive drugs

Answer 2

• stimulants, depressants, opioids, and hallucinogens

Question 3

tolerance

Answer 3

• an increase in the dose required to produce the same effect

Question 4

dependence

Answer 4

• a need to use a drug or other substance regularly

Question 5

withdrawl

Answer 5

• negative experiences that accompany reducing or stopping drug use, including physical pain and other symptoms. When the user powerfully craves the drug and is driven to seek it out, over and over again, no matter what the physical, social, financial, and legal cost

Question 6

safety ratio

Answer 6

• it is based on the dose that is likely to be fatal divided by the normal dose needed to feel the effects of the drug

Question 7

stimulant

Answer 7

• a psychoactive drug that operates by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the synapses of the CNS

Question 8

caffeine

Answer 8

• a bitter psychoactive drug found in the beans, leaves, and fruits of plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide

Question 9

nicotine

Answer 9

• a psychoactive drug found in the nightshade family of plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide

Question 10

cocaine

Answer 10

• an addictive drug obtained from the leaves of the coca plant

Question 11

amphetamine

Answer 11

• a stimulant that produces increased wakefulness and focus, along with decreased fatigue and appetite

Question 12

methamphetamine

Answer 12

• methylated version of amphetamine

Question 13

depressant

Answer 13

• a psychoactive drug that reduces the activity of the CNS

Question 14

alcohol

Answer 14

a colorless liquid, produced by the fermentation of sugar or starch, that is the intoxicating agent in fermented drinks

Question 15

Barbiturates

Answer 15

depressants that are commonly prescribed as sleeping pills and painkillers

Question 16

benzodiazepines

Answer 16

a family of depressants used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms

Question 17

Opioids

Answer 17

chemicals that increase activity in opioid receptor neurons in the brain and in the digestive system, producing euphoria, analgesia, slower breathing, and constipation

Question 18

Opium

Answer 18

the dried juice of the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy

Question 19

Morphine and heroin

Answer 19

stronger, more addictive drugs derived from opium

Question 20

codeine

Answer 20

a weaker analgesic and less addictive member of the opiate family

Question 21

hallucinogens

Answer 21

psychoactive drugs that alter sensation and perception and that may create hallucinations