Altered Consciousness
Psychoactive Drugs and Psychedelic Drugs
By: Madelein Herr, Delila Pereira
Stimulants
A drug that induces temporary improvements to the mental or physical functions of the body.
Opiates
A drug that depresses neural activity, temporarily lessening pain, and anxiety. They are highly addictive.
Withdrawal
Upon stopping use of drugs, users may experience the undesirable effects of withdrawal.
Dependence
Withdrawal from a drug may lead to physical pain, intense cravings, and negative emotions.
Addiction
Condition that results when a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities.
Psychoactive Drugs and Psychedelic Drugs
Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that alter perceptions, moods, and consciousness.
Psychedelic drugs alter cognition and perception.
Psychedelic Drug Fact
- The drug MDMA (aka ecstasy, or Molly) promotes release of the hormone oxytocin, which could help treat severe anxieties like PTSD and social anxiety resulting from autism.
Addiction Facts
- The average drug addict needs to come up with $200 per day to support his or her addiction.
- Approximately 1 out of every 8 Americans is living with some form of addiction.