Unit 2: Psychoactive drugs

Question 1

Psychoactive drugs

Answer 1

chemical substances that alter perception and mood; break blood-brain barrier; interacts with neurotransmitters at receptor sites of neurons

Question 2

Physical dependence/addiction

Answer 2

physical condition caused by chronic use of tolerance-forming drug where abrupt or gradual drug withdrawal causes unpleasant symptoms; fatigue, headaches, tremors, vomiting; depressants

Question 3

Psychological dependence/addiction

Answer 3

states that involves emotional-motivational withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of drug use; dysphoria, depression, anxiety, agitation; stimulants and hallucinogenics

Question 4

Depressants

Answer 4

drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions; alcohol, barbiturates, opiates

Question 5

Barbiturates

Answer 5

drugs that mimic effects of alcohol - depress CNS activity and can lead to impaired memory and judgment; Nembutal, Seconal, and amytal

Question 6

Opiates

Answer 6

opium and its derivatives (morphine and heroin) depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety and gives euphoric pleasure and cravings; highly addictive

Question 7

Stimulants

Answer 7

drugs that excite neural activity and speed-up body functions; caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, methamphetamines

Question 8

Caffeine

Answer 8

increase heart and breathing rates and other automatic functions to provide energy (nicotine does this as well); considered most widely used psychoactive drug; increases attentiveness and improves mood by mimicking neurotransmitter; physically addictive; can cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and increased heart rate

Question 9

Amphetamines

Answer 9

suppresses appetite, increases concentration, and reduce fatigue; can cause anxiety and irritability

Question 10

Methamphetamines

Answer 10

crystal meth; highly addictive; after effects include irritability, insomnia, hypertension, seizures, violent behavior; withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, deep sleep, intense mental depression, and increased appetite

Question 11

Cocaine

Answer 11

produces intense euphoria, mental alertness, and self-confidence; blocks dopamine and acts as agonist

Question 12

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Answer 12

stimulant and hallucinogen; increases empathy, peacefulness, and unending supply of energy; immediate dehydrating effects can lead to severe overheating, increased blood pressure, and death; can lead to decline in memory, intelligence, reduced serotonin levels, and increased risk of depressed mood

Question 13

Hallucinogens

Answer 13

psychedelic (mind-manifesting) drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in absence of sensory input; marijuana and LSD

Question 14

LSD

Answer 14

visual distortions and hallucinations, intense emotions, and unstable and impaired thoughts; bad trips have ended tragically in accidents, death, or suicide; can cause flashbacks

Question 15

Marijuana

Answer 15

produces feeling of elation, promotes relaxation, relieves inhibitions and anxiety, causes sense of time to be distorted, and increases sensitivity to sights, sounds, and touch; THC remains in body long after use; impairs attention/coordination, slows reaction time, interferes with concentration, logical thinking, ability to form new memories, and ability to hold in mind what is said