How strange would appear to be this thing that men call
pleasure! And how curiously it is related to what is thought to
be its opposite, pain! . . . Wherever the one is found, the
other follows up behind. - Plato, Phaedo, 4th Century B.C.
AP Psychology
AVHS Emerson
Psychoactive Drugs
Classification
Depressants
Drug
Alcohol
Barbiturates &
Tranquilizers
Heroin
Narcotics/
Opioids
(aka Opiates)
Synthetic Opiates:
Morphine, Demerol,
Codeine, Vicodin,
Methodone
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines
(speed, ice, crank)
Stimulants
Cocaine/
Crack
Ecstacy (MDMA)
Nicotine
Cannabis
THC
tetrahydrocannabinol
Marijuana
Hashish
LSD
-lysergic acid
diethylamide
Hallucinogens
PCP
-phencyclidine
psilocybin
-mushrooms
Psychological Effects
Adverse Effects
Induces relaxation, mild
euphoria, & intoxication;
relieves anxiety; reduces
mental alertness & inhibitions;
impairs concentration,
judgment, coordination,
balance
Reduces mental alertness;
induces relaxation; may
produce pleasurable rush
(barbiturates)
Depression, memory loss,
organ damage, impaired
reactions
Induces relaxation & euphoric
rush; may temporarily blot out
personal problems; pain relief
High addictive potential; in
overdose, may cause sudden
death; agonizing withdrawal
symptoms; injecting increases
risk of HIV infection
Boosts mental alertness;
reduces need for sleep;
induces pleasurable rush;
causes loss of appetite
Irritability; insomnia;
hypertension; seizures. In
high doses can induce
psychotic symptoms and
cardiovascular irregularities
High addictive potential; risk of
sudden death from overdose;
in high doses can have
psychotic effects; risk of nasal
defects from snorting;
cardiovascular stress;
suspiciousness; depressive
crash
High doses can be lethal; may
lead to depression or other
psychological effects; may
impair learning, attention, &
memory
Strong addictive potential;
implicated in various cancers,
cardiovascular disease, &
other physical disorders
Increased alertness and
wakefulness; rush of
euphoria, confidence, energy
Mild euphoria &
hallucinogenic effects
Arousal and relaxation;
produces mild rush, but
paradoxically may have
calming effects.
Alcoholism
High addictive potential;
dangerous in overdose &
when mixed with alcohol &
other drugs
Induces relaxation & mild
euphoria; can produce
hallucinations
In high doses can cause
nausea, vomiting, panic, &
paranoia; possible health risks
from long-term regular use.
Hallucinations and other
sensory distortions
Intense anxiety, panic, or
psychotic reactions associated
with bad trips; flashbacks
Anesthetic effects; hallucinations; produces a state of mental
confusion w/excitement, disorientation, & difficulty in focusing
attention; distortions in time and space; may lead to paranoia,
blind rage, violent behavior.
mild hallucinogenic effects
