1. AP Psych: Types of Drugs

2. Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive Drug:
A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods

3. Dependence and Addiction
Tolerance:
The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug
Requires the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug’s effect

4. Dependence and Addiction
Withdrawal:
The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug
Dependence:
The need for a drug to relieve physical pain or discomfort (physical dependence) or negative thoughts and emotions (psychological dependence)

5. Dependence and Addiction
Compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences

6. Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs are divided into three main groups:
Depressants
Stimulants
Hallucinogens

7. Depressants Depressants:
Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions
Ex. alcohol

8. What are some factors that influence people to abuse alcohol?
Depressants: Alcohol
What are
some factors
that influence people
to abuse alcohol?

9. Stimulants Stimulants:
Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions
Types of stimulants:
Caffeine
Nicotine
Cocaine
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines

10. What are some factors that influence people to smoke cigarettes?
Stimulants: Nicotine
What are
some factors
that influence people
to smoke cigarettes?

11. Why Do People Smoke?
Nicotine takes away unpleasant cravings (negative reinforcement) by triggering epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins.
Nicotine itself is rewarding (positive reinforcement).

12. Hallucinogens Hallucinogens:
Psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input
Types of hallucinogens:
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

13. Near-Death Experiences
Hallucinogens often produce a bright light in the center of the field of vision
People who have near-death experiences often report similar perceptions

14. Influences on Drug Use
The use of drugs is based on biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences.