Module 18 - Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards
Psychoactive drugs
A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods
Substance use disorder
A disorder characterized by constant substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk
Tolerance
The diminishing effect with regular use of the same drug dose. Requires the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug’s effect
Withdrawal
The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior
Depressants
Drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity and slow body functions
Alcohol use disorder
Popularly known as alcoholism, it is alcohol use marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and a drive to continue problematic use
Disinhibitor
A drug or alcohol that slows brain activity that controls judgment and inhibitions; increases harmful tendencies
Barbiturates
Drugs that depress central nervous system activity, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment
Opiates
Opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin; depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety
Stimulants
Drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine, and the more powerful cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and Ecstasy) that excite neural activity and speed up body functions
Amphetamines
Drugs, such as methamphetamine, that stimulate neural activity, causing accelerated body functions and associated energy and mood changes
Near-death experience
An altered state of consciousness reported after a close brush with death (such as cardiac arrest); often similar to drug-induced hallucinations
Hallucinogens
Psychedelic (“mind manifesting”) drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input
