Overview of psychoactive drugs | Processing the Environment | MCAT | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine・6 minutes read
Psychoactive drugs alter consciousness, classified into four main groups: depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates. Depressants lower central nervous system function, while stimulants excite it; hallucinogens cause distorted perceptions, and opiates depress the central nervous system.
Insights
- Depressants like barbiturates, benzodiazepems, and alcohol slow down the central nervous system, affecting vital functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
- Stimulants such as caffeine, amphetamines, and cocaine, increase alertness and energy by exciting the central nervous system, leading to heightened physical and mental activity.
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Recent questions
What are the main groups of psychoactive drugs?
Psychoactive drugs are classified into four main groups: depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates.
How do depressants affect the body?
Depressants lower central nervous system function, impacting heart rate, blood pressure, and processing speed. Examples include barbiturates, benzodiazepems, and alcohol.
What effects do stimulants have on the central nervous system?
Stimulants excite the central nervous system, increasing heart rate, alertness, and energy. Examples include caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, and nicotine.
What are the characteristics of hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens cause distorted perceptions and sensations, including hallucinations and mood swings. Examples are LSD, psilosiban, peyote, and PCP.
How do opiates affect the central nervous system?
Opiates, whether natural or synthetic, depress central nervous system functions, reduce pain perception, and induce relaxation and sleep. Examples include morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone, and Vicodin.
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Summary
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Psychoactive drugs: altering consciousness through classification.
- Psychoactive drugs alter consciousness, classified into four main groups: depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates.
- Depressants lower central nervous system function, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and processing speed; examples include barbiturates, benzodiazepems, and alcohol.
- Stimulants excite the central nervous system, increasing heart rate, alertness, and energy; examples include caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, and nicotine.
- Hallucinogens cause distorted perceptions and sensations, including hallucinations and mood swings; examples are LSD, psilosiban, peyote, and PCP.
- Opiates, natural or synthetic, depress central nervous system functions, reduce pain perception, and induce relaxation and sleep; examples include morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone, and Vicodin.
