Drug Flashcards
How do drugs interfere with the brain’s normal functioning?
Drugs affect the brain by altering chemical signals known as neurotransmitters, changing how brain cells communicate.
What are psychoactive drugs, and how do they affect the brain?
Psychoactive drugs alter brain activity, impacting perception, mood, and thought. Examples include stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens.
What are mood-altering drugs, and give examples?
Mood-altering drugs change perception, mood, and thought processes. Examples include alcohol, marijuana, and hallucinogens.
Why can some drugs cause dependency?
Drugs may cause dependency by altering brain chemistry, creating a need for the substance to feel normal or achieve desired effects.
What are stimulants, and how do they affect the body?
Stimulants speed up messages between the brain and body, increasing mental alertness and energy. Side effects include restlessness and anxiety.
What are depressants, and what are their effects?
Depressants slow down brain activity, promoting relaxation and anxiety relief. Side effects can include chronic fatigue and depression.
Define hallucinogens and their effects.
Hallucinogens alter perceptions and moods, causing hallucinations. Side effects can include anxiety and depression.
What are narcotics, and how are they classified?
Narcotics, or analgesics, relieve pain and reduce anxiety. Examples include opiates like codeine and synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
What are the desired effects and side effects of hallucinogens?
Desired effects include altered perceptions and hallucinations. Side effects include anxiety, amnesia, and depression.
How do narcotics differ from other drugs?
Narcotics primarily act on pain centers in the central nervous system to relieve pain and anxiety.
What is a Schedule I drug, and why is it classified as such?
Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, and marijuana.
How do Schedule II drugs differ from Schedule I drugs?
Schedule II drugs have medical uses but a high potential for abuse and dependence. Examples include cocaine and oxycontin.
What defines Schedule V drugs?
Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and include medications like Robitussin and Lyrica.
Give examples of Schedule III drugs and their characteristics.
Schedule III drugs, such as ketamine and steroids, have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.
Why are drugs like Xanax and Valium in Schedule IV?
These substances have a low potential for abuse and a lower risk of dependence compared to Schedules I-III.
