Psychoactive Drugs
Altered States of Consciousness
What are psychoactive drugs?
A chemical substance that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior.
Some more definitions:
Stimulants: a substance that raises levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body
Depressants: a drug that depresses and tranquilizes body and slows brain activity
Opiates: a drug with morphine-like affects, derived from opium. Induces sleep and relieves pain
Psychedelic DRugs
definition- induce states of altered perception and thought, with often frequent heightened states of awareness and sensory input
Tolerance
definition- a persons diminished response to a drug which occurs when the drug is used repeatedly and the body adapts
Withdrawal
definition- the group of symptoms that occur at the decrease of intake of drugs or medicine
Addiction
Definition- a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized compulsive drunk-seeking use
Other facts
-LSD is not addictive, but does create tolerance
-Mexico used to have an indigenous Mazatec mushroom ceremony in Mexico
-a mushroom growing ring in Ohio has a street value of over $800,000