psychoactive drug
a chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood. ex: caffeine, diet pills, Botox, wine, Tylenol PM
tolerance
the diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug's effect. ex: Smokers often increase the number of cigarettes (or packs thereof) used per day as they continue to smoke.
withdrawal
the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug. ex: Cramps, severe pain, and intense cravings are symptoms
physical dependence
a physiological need for a drug. ex: marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued
psychological dependence
a psychological need to use a drug. ex: such as to relieve negative emotions
addiction
compulsive drug craving and use. ex: people with this have great difficulty in stopping or reducing their drug use
depressants
drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions. ex: alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates
barbiturates
drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgement. ex: Nembutal, Seconal, and Amytal
opiates
opium and its derivatives; they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety. ex: morphine and heroin
stimulants
drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions. ex: caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, and Ecstasy
amphetamines
drugs that stimulate neural activity, causing speeded-up body functions and associated energy and mood changes. ex: cocaine and Ecstasy
hallucinogens
psychedelic ("mind-manifesting") drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input. ex: LSD
THC
the major active ingredient in marijuana; triggers a variety of effects. ex: causes mild hallucinations
a chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood. ex: caffeine, diet pills, Botox, wine, Tylenol PM
tolerance
the diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug's effect. ex: Smokers often increase the number of cigarettes (or packs thereof) used per day as they continue to smoke.
withdrawal
the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug. ex: Cramps, severe pain, and intense cravings are symptoms
physical dependence
a physiological need for a drug. ex: marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued
psychological dependence
a psychological need to use a drug. ex: such as to relieve negative emotions
addiction
compulsive drug craving and use. ex: people with this have great difficulty in stopping or reducing their drug use
depressants
drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions. ex: alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates
barbiturates
drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgement. ex: Nembutal, Seconal, and Amytal
opiates
opium and its derivatives; they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety. ex: morphine and heroin
stimulants
drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions. ex: caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, and Ecstasy
amphetamines
drugs that stimulate neural activity, causing speeded-up body functions and associated energy and mood changes. ex: cocaine and Ecstasy
hallucinogens
psychedelic ("mind-manifesting") drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input. ex: LSD
THC
the major active ingredient in marijuana; triggers a variety of effects. ex: causes mild hallucinations