PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
Chapter 4
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
Chemical substances that affect
a person’s mental or emotional
state.
Can affect mood, thought
processes, perceptions and
behavior
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
People use psychoactive
drugs to;
Change their alertness
Alter their mental states
Blunt awareness of life stresses
Seek some type of inner truth
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
There are 2 types of psychoactive
drugs;
1. Illegal or illicit- Heroin,
Methamphetamines, cocaine,
marijuana
2. Legal- Alcohol, tobacco and
caffeine
ILLICIT DRUGS
Nearly ½ of all Americans admit to
using an illicit drug at some point in
their lives (marijuana being the #1
answer).
About 1 in every 12 Americans uses
an illicit drug.
DRUG ABUSE
Maladaptive or dangerous use of a
chemical substance
If drug use impairs a person’s health or
ability to function at home, school, or on
the job, or if it is associated with
dangerous behavior, the person has
crossed the line between use and abuse.
DRUG DEPENDENCE
DRUG ABUSE
Poly Abusers- People who
abuse more than one drug.
DRUG DEPENDENCE
A severe drug-related problem
characterized by impaired control
over the use of a drug.
People who become dependent on a
drug feel compelled to use the drug
or are powerless to stop using it,
even when they know it’s ruining
their lives.
DRUG DEPENDENCE
About 1 in 10 adults develop a drug
disorder sometime in their lives.
Physiological dependence- A state of
physical dependence on a drug
caused by repeated usage that
changes body chemistry.
DRUG DEPENDENCE
Withdrawal Syndrome- Occurs when a
person abruptly stops usage of a drug.
Nausea (most common)
Agitation
Depression
Anxiety
Death (alcohol)
DRUG DEPENDENCE
Psychological dependence- A pattern
of compulsive or habitual use of a
drug to satisfy a psychological need.
Used to lessen or eliminate anxiety or
stress
Some drugs like nicotine, alcohol and
heroin can lead to both physiological and
psychological dependence.
DEPRESSANTS
Drugs that reduce central nervous
system activity, which slows down
bodily processes like heart rate and
respiration rate
Induce feelings of relaxation
Some produce a rush of pleasure
In high doses, depressants can kill by
stopping vital bodily functions
(breathing)
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is an intoxicant- a chemical
substance that produces a state of
drunkenness.
In heavy doses, depressant effects
on the central nervous system can
induce a state of stupor,
unconsciousness and even death
ALCOHOL
Alcohol affects the brain, clouding
judgment and impairing concentration
and attention as well as the ability to
weigh the consequences of behavior.
People may do or say things that they
wouldn’t normally say when they are
intoxicated.
BARBITURATES
Calming or sedating drugs that are
either used medically or abused.
Can induce drowsiness, slur speech and
impair motor skills.
Overdoses can cause convulsions or even
death.
Withdraw carefully or death can occur.
OPIATES
Narcotics that are addictive due
to their pain-relieving qualities,
Morphine, codeine, heroin (poppy
plants)
Have legitimate uses as painkillers
3 million Americans have used
heroin the most widely used opiate
STIMULANTS
Amphetamines- boost alertness and
arousal in the brain and cause
overall pleasure.
Most common; “meth” and “speed”.
More than 12 million people in America
have tried meth.
Meth usage can cause brain damage
and…
METH MOUTH!
STIMULANTS
 Cocaine- A natural stimulant derived from the
coca plant.
Can be snorted, smoked, ingested, and injected.
Smoking crack allows the drug to reach your
brain the fastest.
Withdrawal can be rough, with many people
relapsing to feel the pleasure the drug gave them.
Not listed as a controlled substance until 1970
MDMA (ECSTASY)
An amphetamine-like drug produced in
underground laboratories that provides a
euphoric effect.
Prolonged use can lead to;
cognitive deficits,
memory problems,
Learning/attention problems
Wearing glow necklaces and dancing to
terrible music
NICOTINE
A mild, but highly addictive
stimulant found in tobacco.
Physiological dependence can begin
in the first few weeks.
Can lead to psychological
dependence as a way of coping with
stresses in life .
NICOTINE
Smoking is the leading cause of
premature death in the U.S. and also
worldwide.
400,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
and 4 million worldwide.
More people have quit smoking than
are currently smoking.
CAFFEINE
Found in coffee, tea, cola drinks,
chocolate, etc.
Regular use leads to physiological
dependence, but most people can
maintain control.
Not tied to health risks when used in
moderation (except in pregnant women).
HALLUCINOGENS
Drugs that alter sensory
perceptions, producing
distortions or hallucinations in
visual, auditory, or other sensory
forms.
LSD (acid) and Marijuana are the
most widely used.
LSD
Produces vivid hallucinations.
Pupil dilation, increased heart rate,
blood pressure and body
temperature.
“Bad trips” cause people to suffer
intense anxiety, panic, psychotic
episodes and/or delusions.