Ch4.3 Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that act on the nervous system to alter consciousness, modify perception, and change moods.

Tolerance

The need to take increasing amounts of a drug to get the same effect.

Physical Dependence

The physiological need for a drug that causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as physical pain and a craving for the drug when it is discontinued.

Addiction

A physical or a psychological dependence, or both, on a drug.

Barbiturates

Depressant drugs, such as Nembutal and Seconal, that decrease central nervous system activity.

Tranquilizers

Depressant drugs, such as Valium and Xanax, that reduce anxiety and induce relaxation.

Alcoholism

Disorder that involves long-term, repeated, uncontrolled, compulsive, and excessive use of alcoholic beverages and that impairs the drinker's health and social relationships.

Opiates

Opium and its derivatives; narcotic drugs that depress activity in the central nervous system and eliminate pain.

Hallucinogens

Psychoactive drugs that modify a person's perceptual experiences and produce visual images that are not real.

Depressants

Psychoactive drugs that slow down mental and physical activity.

Stimulants

Psychoactive drugs, including caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine, that increase the central nervous system's activity.

Psychological Dependence

The strong desire to repeat the use of a drug for emotional reasons, such as a feeling of well-being and reduction of stress.