Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards
1
Q
psychoactive drugs
A
- influence functioning of brain, alter psychological processes
- drugs interact with neurotransmitter systems
2
Q
agonists
A
mimic neurotransmitters (effect is like having MORE of that neurotransmitter in the brain)
3
Q
antagonists
A
block neurotransmitters (effect is like having LESS of that neurotransmitter in the brain)
4
Q
depressants
A
decrease activity in the nervous system
5
Q
depressants list
A
- alcohol
- benzodiazepines
- opiates
6
Q
ALCOHOL
A
less control over behavior and emotion
7
Q
alcohol effects
A
- prefrontal cortex (decisions, behavior)
- hippocampus (memory loss, REM sleep)
- cerebellum (movement, balance, coordination)
- brainstem (reticular formation, medulla)
8
Q
BENZODIAZEPINES
A
make drowsy, less anxiety (prescription drugs - valium, xanax, librium)
9
Q
benzodiazepines effects
A
- GABA agonist (slows down the nervous system)
- can be addicting, deadly withdrawal symptoms
10
Q
OPIATES
A
euphoria, relaxation, drowsy (prescribed painkiller - morphine, heroin, codeine, vicodin, oxycontin)
11
Q
opiates effects
A
- endorphin agonist, addicting
- majority of people prescribed opiates and use as directed DO NOT get addicted
12
Q
stimulants
A
wakefulness, energy, appetite suppression
13
Q
stimulants list
A
- caffeine
- nicotine
- cocaine
- amphetamines
- MDMA
14
Q
CAFFEINE
A
wakefulness, wellbeing
15
Q
caffeine effects
A
- adenosine antagonist (adenosine builds up throughout the day, makes you sleepy)
