PS268 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Nicotine, Depressant, Hallucinogen
Categories of Drugs
-psychoactive drugs used for recreation to affect consciousness, spiritual purposes, and
medication
-classification of psychoactive drugs mostly depends on the effect of the drug on the brain
Central Nervous System CNS stimulants: amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine
CNS depressants: barbiturates, alcohol, sedatives, inhalants
Analgesics (pain relievers): morphine, codeine, heroin, methadone
Hallucinogens (psychedelics): LSD, ectasy, MDMA, PCP/angel dust, cannabis, mescaline
Psychotherapeutics: Prozac, Thorazine, Ritalin for ADHD is becoming more abused by
Canadian students
-at moderate doses, stimulant drugs produce wakefulness and a sense of energy and
wellbeing
-at high doses, like cocaine and amphetamines, produce manic states of excitement
combined w paranoia and hallucinations
The Dual-Deficit Model of Psychostimulant Addiction:
-withdrawal from chronic stimulant use can lead to decreased synaptic availability of
dopamine and serotonin that in turn contributes to withdrawal symptoms and relapse
-dopamine dysfunction underlies anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure from once
enjoyable experiences) and psychomotor disturbances (Parkinson-like symptoms)
Document Summary
Psychoactive drugs used for recreation to affect consciousness, spiritual purposes, and medication. Classification of psychoactive drugs mostly depends on the effect of the drug on the brain. Central nervous system cns stimulants: amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine. Hallucinogens (psychedelics): lsd, ectasy, mdma, pcp/angel dust, cannabis, mescaline. Psychotherapeutics: prozac, thorazine, ritalin for adhd is becoming more abused by. At moderate doses, stimulant drugs produce wakefulness and a sense of energy and wellbeing. At high doses, like cocaine and amphetamines, produce manic states of excitement combined w paranoia and hallucinations. Withdrawal from chronic stimulant use can lead to decreased synaptic availability of dopamine and serotonin that in turn contributes to withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Dopamine dysfunction underlies anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure from once enjoyable experiences) and psychomotor disturbances (parkinson-like symptoms) 5-ht/serotonin dysfunction causes depression, obsessive thoughts, lack of impulse control. At low doses, depressant drugs depress inhibitory parts of brain and lead to disinhibition or relaxation.
