01:830:101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Barbiturate, Chemical Substance, Morphine

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: 01:830:101
• Professor: Professor Marvasti

Document Summary

Psychoactive drug: a chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods. 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. Withdrawal: the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug. Physical dependence: a physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. Psychological dependence: a psychological need to use a drug, such as to relieve negative emotions. Addiction: compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences. Depressants: drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity and slow body functions. Barbiturates: drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment. Opiates: opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin; they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety.