BBB - Psychoactive Drugs Lesson

Learning Target:

  • Describe the impact of psychoactive drugs on behavior and mental processes.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

How Psychoactive Drugs Influence Behavior

Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that can significantly impact a person's moods and perceptions. These3 Categories Psychoactive drugs: depressants stimulants hallucinogens substances can modify arousal levels, thought processes, sensations, and overall perception. Beyond just affecting how a person feels, psychoactive drugs also have both physiological and psychological effects on individuals.

From a biological standpoint, psychoactive drugs can influence various bodily systems, leading to experiences that alter consciousness. Prolonged use of these substances can even result in long-term brain structure changes. On a psychological level, how a person responds to a drug can be influenced by their personality traits, current mood, environmental influences, and past encounters with the substance. Many individuals may also turn to drugs as a means of coping with emotions.

Individuals who regularly use psychoactive drugs may develop a physical dependence, meaning that both their body and brain adjust to the substance. Over time, a tolerance to the drug can develop, resulting in a reduced impact from the same amount. When the drug is no longer present, withdrawal symptoms such as physical discomfort and strong cravings can occur. Overall, the effects of psychoactive drugs are not only determined by their biological impact but also by the expectations and societal context of the user.

Three Major Categories of Psychoactive Drugs

psychoactive drugs: Depressants including alcohol, barbiturates and opioids are substances that reduce neural activity and slow down body functions. Stimulants enhance neural activity and accelerate bodily functions. Examples of stimulants are caffeine, nicotine and the stronger substances like cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines and ecstasy Hallucinogens alter perception and produce sensory images without external input. Some, like LSD and MDMA are synthetic while others such as psilocybin and the mildly hallucinogenic marijuana, are natural substances.

Learn more about selected psychoactive drugs in the activity below.

Please take a moment to view the video below on the risk factors of drug abuse. The video will run for approximately 12 minutes.

 

After reading the information above, completing the activity, and viewing the video presentation, take a moment to complete the following activity.

Agonists and Antagonists

Agonists are drugs or chemicals that enhance or mimic the activity of a neurotransmitter, thereby increasing the overall effect of the neurotransmitter. They bind to the receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering the same response as the natural neurotransmitter. This can lead to increased stimulation of the nervous system, resulting in effects such as improved mood, increased alertness, or pain relief.

Antagonists, on the other hand, are drugs or chemicals that inhibit or block the activity of a neurotransmitter by binding to the receptor without triggering a response. This prevents the natural neurotransmitter from binding to the receptor, reducing or eliminating its effects. Antagonists can have a range of effects, including reducing anxiety, decreasing pain, or slowing down certain bodily functions.

 

CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION