Questions and Answers
What is a psychoactive drug?
Any substance that directly alters the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS).
Which of the following is NOT a classification type for psychoactive drugs?
What is meant by classification by purpose of use?
Drugs given or used for a specific purpose, such as reducing pain or stimulating performance.
Which of the following are examples of street names for drugs?
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What are three categories included in the classification of downers?
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What can frequent use of stronger stimulants lead to?
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What are the mental and emotional effects of small to moderate doses of uppers?
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What are the potential risks of using large amounts of downers chronically?
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What are hallucinogens or psychedelics designed to do?
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Which of the following is NOT a mental effect of downers when small doses are taken?
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Study Notes
Psychoactive Drugs Overview
- Psychoactive drugs alter the central nervous system (CNS) functioning.
- Classification can be based on purpose of use, names, or effects.
Classification Types
- Purpose of use includes medical, therapeutic, or recreational applications.
- Names categorize drugs into chemical, trade, and street varieties.
- Effects classify drugs into stimulants, depressants, and psychedelics.
Purpose of Use
- Drugs are administered to treat conditions like pain in wartime (morphine), nausea in AIDS, or enhance athletic performance (steroids).
Drug Names
- Chemical names convey molecular structure.
- Trade names are brand names from manufacturers (e.g., Xanax).
- Street names are informal names that change over time (e.g., smack for heroin).
Effects Classification
- Drugs can be categorized based on their overall body responses: stimulating, depressing, or psychedelic.
Uppers (Stimulants)
- Include cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, nicotine, and designer stimulants.
- Small to moderate doses result in increased energy, alertness, and decreased appetite.
Physical and Mental Effects of Uppers
- Small doses can promote confidence and excitement; larger doses may trigger anxiety and aggressiveness.
- Prolonged use of strong stimulants leads to exhaustion, anxiety, paranoia, and potential psychosis.
Downers (Depressants)
- Depressants slow CNS activity.
- Four major categories include opiates/opioids, sedative-hypnotics, alcohol, and others like antihistamines.
Notable Downers
- Opiates: opium, heroin, oxycodone, and methadone.
- Sedative-hypnotics: benzodiazepines (Alprazolam, Clonazepam), barbiturates, and Z-hypnotics (Zolpidem).
Physical and Mental Effects of Downers
- Small doses relax the body, dull senses, and reduce pain.
- Excessive use can lead to dependence, poor coordination, slurred speech, and severe health risks like overdose.
All Arounders (Hallucinogens)
- Includes substances that can distort perceptions and create hallucinations.
- Five classifications include:
- Indoles: LSD, psilocybin.
- Phenylalkylamines: mescaline, MDMA.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of psychoactive drugs in this quiz. Learn about their classifications based on purpose, names, and effects. Whether for medical, therapeutic, or recreational use, understand how these substances interact with the central nervous system.
