PSYCH 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Depressant, Caffeine, Methamphetamine
Document Summary
While some drugs can have positive, alleviating effects, overuse can lead to drug addiction. Psychoactive drugs are mind-altering substances that people take for recreational purposes. They change the brains" neurochemistry by activating different neurotransmitter systems. Stimulants increase behavioral and mental activity; often increase dopamine levels or interfere with re- uptake. Depressants reduce behavioral and mental activity by depressing the central nervous system. Opiates reduce the experience of pain by binding with endorphin receptors, often while activating dopamine receptors. These drugs cause alterations in cognition, mood, and perception, often by affecting serotonin. Amphetamines are stimulants that increase dopamine, primarily reducing fatigue. Long-term abuse may deplete dopamine levels and cause damage to the limbic system and temporal lobes. Cocaine is a stimulant that causes confidence and alertness. Alcohol is a depressant that activates gaba receptors, thus inhibiting neural activity and causing relaxation.
