Psychoactive drug
From Drug Rehab Wiki
A psychoactive drug is a chemical that crosses the blood-brain barrier, alters the function of the brain and can result in brief changes in behavior, consciousness, mood and perception.
A psychoactive drug is any substance that can change any emotional state. Doctors prescribe them to treat anxiety and depression, but they are also widely abused for non-medical reasons.
Antidepressant drugs are prescribed for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Mood stabilizers are medications for bipolar disorder. Anti-psychotic drugs inhibit states of psychosis; and anxiolytics are used to treat anxiety.
Common substances such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine are psychoactive drugs. Stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens are all kinds of psychoactive drugs that are widely abused. Methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepines, heroin, marijuana, and others are used recreationally and without medical purposes in order to achieve artificial states of intoxication, euphoria, calmness, stupor, and so forth. Some elevate mood and make a person feel more energetic, others can cause deep feelings of calmness and stupors. The problem with drugs is that once you become addicted or chemically dependent on them, you need to keep using them just to achieve a feeling of normalcy.
Chronic use or overuse of any psychoactive drug can permanently impair brain function.
Users of psychoactive drugs may experience euphoria or increased alertness. If a person takes too much of a psychoactive drug, or uses it for too long, they can become addicted. Psychoactive drugs are divided into three categories, based on their particular effect on the brain. Hallucinogens, like LSD, alter perceptions, sensation (temporal and spacial) and emotions. Stimulants like amphetamines keep us awake and stimulate our minds, without negatively affecting perception. Depressants, like opioids and benzodiazepines, make us calm, help us sleep and reduce anxiety.
Users of psychoactive drugs can become addicted. With psychological addiction, the user will feel compelled to use the drug, even in the face of potential negative consequences. With physical dependence, however, the user must take the drug in order to avoid painful withdrawal symptoms. Addiction occurs most often with drugs that directly stimulate dopamine production in the brain and activate the rewards system.
