C2L6 - Psychoactive Drugs

Question 1

Psychoactive drugs

Answer 1

substances that change perceptions and moods, meaning the sensory
information is the same but our perception of that information is altered

Question 2

substance use disorder

Answer 2

continued use despite significant risk or maladaptation

Question 3

Addiction

Answer 3

when bodies adapt to these drugs, and require greater amounts each time to achieve an altered state or to maintain a
normal state

Question 4

withdrawal

Answer 4

the severe discomfort and distress after discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior

Question 5

Depressants

Answer 5

a class of drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions; the three
primary subgroups of depressants are: alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates

Question 6

Alcohol

Answer 6

Dis-inhibitor which slows brain activity that controls judgment and inhibitions. It also slows neural processing, reduces coordination, self-awareness, self-control, speech, and other skills

Question 7

Barbiturates

Answer 7

are tranquilizers, like Nembutal, Seconal, and Amytal that are prescribed to induce sleep or reduce anxiety as they depress the central nervous system,
resulting in relaxed states, sedation, and sleep

Question 8

opiates

Answer 8

endorphin-mimicking painkillers that illicit warm, euphoric feelings that can disrupt natural endorphin use and creation

Question 9

stimulants

Answer 9

drugs that excite neural activity and accelerate body functions, increasing breathing rate, heartbeat, energy, and confidence

Question 10

Symptoms of withdrawal

Answer 10

include fatigue, headaches, irritability, and depression, thus encouraging further use to ‘avoid further withdrawal symptoms

Question 11

Cocaine

Answer 11

provides a rush of euphoria, but depletes one’s own dopamine and norepinephrine by overuse, causing quick withdrawal symptoms

Question 12

Amphetamines

Answer 12

increases dopamine, euphoria, alertness, and energy, followed by a crash of irritability, social isolation, depression, hypertension, and heightened aggression

Question 13

Hallucinogens

Answer 13

drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

Question 14

LSD

Answer 14

presents a stream of uninterrupted fantastic pictures, shapes, colors, etc., ranging from euphoria, to detachment, to panic

Question 15

THC

Answer 15

a hallucinogen which can evoke both agitation & hallucinations by amplifying colors, sounds, tastes, smells, touch, and can produce a euphoric high

Question 16

MDMA

Answer 16

both a stimulant and mild
hallucinogen that triggers a large dopamine release, and additionally floods neurons with serotonin and blocks reuptake