AP Psych: Types of Drugs

Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive Drug: A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods

Dependence and Addiction Tolerance: The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug Requires the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug’s effect

Dependence and Addiction Withdrawal: The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug Dependence: The need for a drug to relieve physical pain or discomfort (physical dependence) or negative thoughts and emotions (psychological dependence)

Dependence and Addiction Compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences

Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive drugs are divided into three main groups: Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens

Depressants Depressants: Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions Ex. alcohol

What are some factors that influence people to abuse alcohol? Depressants: Alcohol What are some factors that influence people to abuse alcohol?

Stimulants Stimulants: Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions Types of stimulants: Caffeine Nicotine Cocaine Ecstasy (MDMA) Amphetamines Methamphetamines

What are some factors that influence people to smoke cigarettes? Stimulants: Nicotine What are some factors that influence people to smoke cigarettes?

Why Do People Smoke? Nicotine takes away unpleasant cravings (negative reinforcement) by triggering epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins. Nicotine itself is rewarding (positive reinforcement).

Hallucinogens Hallucinogens: Psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input Types of hallucinogens: LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Near-Death Experiences Hallucinogens often produce a bright light in the center of the field of vision People who have near-death experiences often report similar perceptions

Influences on Drug Use The use of drugs is based on biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences.