Psychoactive Drugs

Question 1

What are psychoactive drugs?

Answer 1

Substances that change the function of the brain and changes how you feel, act and think

Question 2

Identify six classes of psychoactive drugs and an example of a drug in each class.

Answer 2

Stimulants: Caffeine
Depressants: Heroin
Anxiolytics: Zoloft
Euphoriants: Morphine
Hallucinogens: LSD
Empathogens: Amphetamines

Question 3

Compare and contrast psychoactive drugs that are agonists and psychoactive drugs that are antagonists.

Answer 3

Both:
- Produces effects by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain

Agonists:
- Increase the activity of particular neurotransmitters

Antagonists:
- Decrease the activity of particular neurotransmitters

Question 4

Describe two medical uses of psychoactive drugs.

Answer 4

Anesthesia to block consciousness and reduce pain
Antidepressants to treat mental disorders

Question 5

Give an example of a ritual use of a psychoactive drug.

Answer 5

Amanita muscaria for religious ceremonies

Question 6

Why do people generally use psychoactive drugs recreationally?

Answer 6

To give them a feeling of euphoria

Question 7

Define addiction.

Answer 7

The compulsive use of a drug despite the negative consequences it may have

Question 8

Identify possible withdrawal symptoms associated with physical dependence on a psychoactive drug.

Answer 8

Physical symptoms like tremors, pain, and seizures

Mental symptoms like anxiety, depression and paranoia

Question 9

Why might a person with a heroin addiction be prescribed the psychoactive drug methadone?

Answer 9

To reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating addiction themselves

Question 10

The prescription drug Prozac inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, causing more serotonin to be present in the synapse. Prozac can elevate mood, which is why it is sometimes used to treat depression. Answer the following question about Prozac.

Is Prozac an agonist or an antagonist for serotonin? Explain your answer.

Answer 10

Agonist, because it increases serotonin

Question 11

The prescription drug Prozac inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, causing more serotonin to be present in the synapse. Prozac can elevate mood, which is why it is sometimes used to treat depression. Answer the following question about Prozac.

Is Prozac a psychoactive drug? Explain your answer.

Answer 11

Yes, because it affects someone’s mood

Question 12

Name 3 classes of psychoactive drugs that include opioids.

Answer 12

Depressants
Anxiolytics
Euphoriants

Question 13

True or False. All psychoactive drugs are either illegal or available by prescription only.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

True or False. Anxiolytics might be prescribed by a physician.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

Name two drugs that activate receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA. Why do you think these drugs generally have a depressant effect?

Answer 15

Ethanol and barbiturates.

Because by increasing activity in GABA, it decreases feelings of anxiety