PsychoactiveDrugs

=**Definition:**= Any substance that alters mood, perception, or thought.toc Gen Psych, CH 4, pp.122

Related Pages
part of psychedelic drugs; includes drug abuse and depression; relevant to aniexty disorders and emotions; most common with young adults; may relieve stress

=**Example:**= Hallucinogens, or //psychedelics.// These chemicals alter and distort perceptions of time and space, mood, and produce feeling of unreality. Examples of which include: psychoactive mushrooms, LSD, Ecstacy, Mescaline, Ayahuasca, DMT, Salvia, Ketamine, and the 2C family. When ingested or absorbed, these chemicals will cause the user to lose their aspect of reality and can even cause some to enter a void of their mind. Each chemical has different effects on visual perception depending on the amount of light that reaches the user. This is due to the dilation of pupils caused by the effects of the drugs.

Types of Psychoactive Drugs

 * Controlled Substances- When you have a prescription such as, an antidepressant, they are approved for medical use and therefore a controlled substance
 * Illicit- Psychoactive Drugs that are illegal
 * Over-The-Counter- Many antihistamines and decongestants, even many herbal preparations are Psychoactive Drugs
 * Foods- Even certain foods, like chocolate, can alter our mood like a Psychoactive Drug

Abuse
People get a certain "high" when they take their first hit of a Psychoactive Drug. Whenever a person does this, it is a one time feeling. Substance users then become substance abusers ergo; people become addicted to all sorts of Psychoactive Drugs.

Withdrawal Symptoms

 * Stimulants (Caffeine, Nicotine,Cocaine, and Amphetamines)- Exhausted, depressed, craving more, anxiety, and agitation
 * Tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax,etc.)- Nervous, agitated, depressed, cravings, and loss of appetite

Stimulants

 * Caffeine
 * Nicotine
 * Amphetamines
 * Cocaine

Depressants

 * Alcohol
 * Barbiturates
 * Minor Tranquilizers
 * Narcotics

Hallucinogens

 * Marijuana
 * LSD
 * Designer Drugs

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