Module 9 Flashcards
what are psychoactive drugs
chemicals that change perceptions and moods
what are the 3 major categories of psychoactive drugs
- depressants
- stimulants
- hallucinogens
what are depressants
depressants are drugs such as alcohol, barbiturates and opiates that calm neural activity and slow body functions
how is alcohol an equal-opportunity drug
it increases help tendencies and increases harmful tendencies
alcohol use disorder
also known as alcoholism, alcohol use marked by tolerance, withdrawal and a drive to continue problematic use
what are barbiturates
drugs that depress central nervous system activity, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgement
can barbiturates be helpful
barbiturates such as Nembutal, Seconal, and Amytal are sometimes prescribed to induce sleep or reduce anxiety
what are some kinds of opiates
opiates include heroin and also medically prescribed pain relief narcotics such as codeine, morphine, and methadone
what is methadone
a synthetic opiate sometimes prescribed as a heroin substitute
what happens when the brain is repeatedly flooded with an artificial opiate
it will eventually stop producing endorphins (its own opiates)
what happens if the artificial opiate is withdrawn
the brain will now lack the normal level of these painkilling neurotransmitters
what is a stimulant
a stimulant excites neural activity and speeds up the body functions
what happens to your body when you use a simulant
- pupils dilate
- heart and breathing rates increase
- blood sugar levels rise
- energy and self confidence rise
what are some examples of stimulants
- caffeine
- nicotine
- cocaine
- amphetamines
- methamphetamine
- ecstasy
why do people use stimulants
to feel alert, lose weight, boost mood or boost athletic performance
what happens within 7 seconds of a single puff of nicotine
a rush of nicotine will signal the CNS to release a flood of neurotransmitters, epinephrine and norepinephrine will diminish appetite and boost alertness and mental efficiency, dopamine and opioids will temporarily calm anxiety and reduce sensitivity to pain
what is cocaine
a powerful and addictive stimulant derived from the coca plant
what is the results of using amphetamines
stimulates neural activity, as the body functions speed up, the user’s energy rises and mood soars
what does methamphetamine do
it triggers the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates the brain cells that enhance energy and mood, leading to 8 hours or so of heightened energy and euphoria
after effects of methamphetamine
may include:
- irritability
- insomnia
- hypertension
- seizures
- social isolation
- depression
- occasional violent outbursts
what is ecstasy
MDMA - it is both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen
what does ecstasy do
it triggers dopamine release, but its major effect is releasing stored serotonin and blocking its re uptake
what do hallucinogens do
distorts perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input
what are hallucinogens
psychedelics that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input
who created LSD
Albert Hofmann
when was LSD created
April 1943
what is LSD
a powerful hallucinogenic drug; also known as acid
what are some warning signs of alcohol use disorder
- drinking binges
- craving alcohol
- use results in unfulfilled work, school, or home tasks
- failing to honor a resolve to drink less
- continued use despite health risk
- avoiding family or friends when drinking
