2. Psychoactive Drugs

4. Drugs
Our brain is protected by a layer of capillaries called the blood-brain barrier.
The drugs that are small enough to pass through are called psychoactive drugs.

5. Drugs are either…. Agonists (Opiates are endorphin agonists)
Antagonists (Naloxone is an opiate antagonist)
Reuptake inhibitors (Cocaine)
If a drug is used often, a tolerance is created for the drug.
Thus you need more of the drug to feel the same effect.
If you stop using a drug you can develop withdrawal symptoms.

6. Stimulants Speed up body processes.
More powerful ones (like cocaine) give people feelings of invincibility.

7. Stimulants Ecstasy (MDMA). Also a mild hallucinogen.
Can cause dehydration and damages serotonin producing neurons.

9. Depressants Slows down body processes. Alcohol.
Anxiolytics (barbiturates) like nembutal or amytal and tranquilizers such as valium or librium).

10. Alcohol Makes people loosen up and talk more.
Decreases self-awareness.
Decreases feelings of guilt.

11. Alcohol
More than 86 billion dollars are spent annually on alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol is involved in 60% of ALL crimes.
Alcohol is involved in over 70% of sexually related crimes.
Is it worth the cost?

12. Hallucinogens Psychedelics. Causes changes in perceptions of reality.
LSD, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana.
Synergistic effect

13. Hallucinogens Marijuana
THC is the active ingredient (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
Used with cancer, glaucoma, and AIDS patients .
Can amplify senses.
Affects short term memory.

15. Opiates Has depressive and hallucinogenic qualities.
Agonist for endorphins.
Derived from poppy plant.
Morphine, heroin, methadone and codeine (rapid increase in tolerance).
All these drugs cross the placental barrier….teratogens.