Psychoactive Drugs Overview

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.