PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS Drugs that affect the central nervous system

Categories Stimulants Depressants Opiates Hallucinogens Inhalants  Club Drugs

STIMULANTS

 White powder made from the coca bush  Once an ingredient found in the soft drink coke  Some medical value as an anesthetic, however it has been replaced by newer, stronger anesthetics that have less side effects.  Smoked, snorted/sniffed, injected, swallowed STIMULANTS

 Barbiturates  Sedatives or anesthetics that can cause mood changes, excessive sleepiness, and coma if abused  Used to induce sleep and/or reduce anxiety  Can produce physiological and psychological dependence.  GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid)  Rohypnol (roofies) DEPRESSANTS

 Tranquilizers  Used to reduce muscle activity, coordination, and attention span  Antianxiety tranquilizers Valium  Antipsychotic tranquilizers Used to treat severe mental disorders like schizophrenia Help control violent behavior by decreasing brain activity DEPRESSANTS

HALLUCINOGENS

 “Angel Dust”  Prepared synthetically  Effects  Time passes slowly  Body movements slow down  Sensations of touch and pain are dulled ◦ Drown in shallow water ◦ Died in fires and couldn’t feel the pain HALLUCINOGENS

Hashish  Dark brown resin from top of plant which is stronger than marijuana.  Extremely high levels of THC Hemp  Fiber from marijuana plant  Possible industrial uses  Extremely low levels of THC HALLUCINOGENS

Inhalants  Sniffed/inhaled to give a hallucinogenic high  Most inhalants depress the central nervous system  Effects  Loss of balance  Impaired judgment  Similar symptoms to feeling drunk  Consequences  Nausea, sneezing, fatigue  Nosebleeds  Liver and kidney damage  Permanent brain damage  Glue, varnishes, aerosols, gas, etc.

 Ecstasy (MDMA)  Rohypnol (roofies) Sedative that is colorless, odorless, & tasteless  GHB Depressant also used as a date rape drug  Ketamine Anesthetic used to treat animals. Causes hallucinations  Meth  LSD