Chapter 4: Psychoactive Drugs

Heroin

3 out of 4 addicts to this drug started by using prescription opiates. This highly addictive drug produces euphoria and a sense of well-being. Just one use can lead to addiction. Physical withdrawal includes muscle pain, vomiting, and anxiety.

Xanax

A benzodiazepine commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. It causes the person to feel relaxed. Negative side effects include: Difficulty breathing, confusion, and drowsiness.

Opiate

A drug that produces a sense of euphoria and relieves pain.

LSD

A hallucinogen that causes artificial euphoria, delusions, and panic attacks, as well as dilated pupils, dry mouth, and tremors. This high will last 12 hours and the drug is also referred to as acid.

Lithium

An antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder- it is prescribed by a doctor and not commonly used as a recreational drug.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Categorized as a powerful hallucinogen, this drug got its starts as a horse tranquilizer. It causes people to have distortions in perception that include super human strength and invulnerability to harm.

Alcohol

Central nervous system depressant that causes a loss of inhibition and judgment slow down (increased GABA). It is the 2nd most widely used psychoactive drug in America.

Nicotine

Central nervous system stimulant commonly found in tobacco products. Psychological effects include improved attention, alertness, reduced anger and anxiety. Tolerance develops in the long run and on a daily basis.

MDMA (ecstasy, molly)

Combination hallucinogen and stimulant that causes a distortion of time and reality. Negative effects include agitation, anxiety, depression, nausea, chills, and paranoia.

Psilocybin

Drug that can be produced synthetically or extracted from specific mushroom species. It is chemically related to LSD and can cause nausea, shivering, and anxiety.

Hallucinogen

Drugs that alter perception and may cause hallucinations.

Depressants

Drugs that decrease the functioning of the nervous system.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the functioning of the nervous system.

Methamphetamines (meth)

Highly addictive central nervous system synthetically produced from (commonly): battery acid, cold medicine, drain cleaner, and kitty litter. Increased blood pressure, heart rate, increased talkativeness.

Barbiturates

Major tranquilizers.

Oxycontin

Medicine for moderate to severe pain control. Side effects include: Slowed breathing, reduced heart rate, dizziness, and vomiting.

Benzodiazephines

Minor tranquilizers.

Cocaine

One of the 5 most addictive drugs, this central nervous system stimulant causes the user to feel a sudden rush of energy and improved mood.

Methadone

Originally used to treat a heroin addiction without producing a sense of "high." Unfortunately, people have become addicted to this.

Marijuana

Physical effects of this drug include: Increased pulse rate and blood pressure, reddening of the eyes, coughing, and dryness of the mouth. It also is known to have mild hallucinatory characteristics, and is actually characterized as a hallucinogen in psychology.

Codeine

Similar to morphine but has less pain relief, sedation, and respiratory depression than morphine, but the same potential side effects.

Caffeine

The world's most widely used psychoactive drug. It is a stimulant that boosts energy and alertness. It can increase blood pressure and cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Morphine

This drug is an opiate that is often prescribed for severe pain such as that associated with cancer or major surgery.