Psychoactive drugs Flashcards
Psychoactive drugs
chemicals that change or alter moods and perceptions
Substance use disorder
Occurs when one’s life is disrupted by using, but use continues and cant stop
Tolerance
when our brain’s chemistry changes to offset the drug’s effects. it takes more of the drug to get the same feeling.
Withdrawal
occurs when the user stops taking the drug and undergoes negative physical side effects.
Depressants
calm neural activity and slow body functions
Disinhibitor
slows brain activity in judgment and inhibition
Alcohol abuse disorder
continue to use though it is negetivley impacting one’s life
Drinking leads too…
Slowing of sympathetic system, memory disruption, and reduced self awareness
Expectancy effects
occur with alcohol wherein we act how we are supposed to feel after consuming alcohol even if we didn’t consume it.
Barbiturate drugs
these are tranquilizers that depress our nervous system activity. Commonly prescribed to induce sleep or lessen anxiety. Lethal when combined with alcohol.
opiates
narcotics that also depress nervous system activity. With repeated use, our brain stops producing endorphins.
Stimulants
excite neural activity and speed body functions
Hallucinogens
distort perceptions and give off sensory images without sensory input.
