Psychoactive Drugs
Drugs that affect brain processes & result in altered states of consciousness, mood & perception
Tolerance
Diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug requiring the user to take larger doses before experiencing the drug’s effect
Addiction
Compulsive craving of drugs or certain behaviors (such as gambling) despite known adverse consequences
Withdrawal
The discomfort & distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior
Depressants
Drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates & opiates) that reduce neural activity & slow body functions
Stimulants
Drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine & more powerful cocaine) that excite neural activity & speed up body functions
Hallucinogens
Psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions & evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input