Drug Classifications

SUBSTANCE ABUSE – TOLERANCE AND WITHDRAWAL

Drug:  Any substance that alters consciousness

• Psychoactive Drugs
  Induce an altered state of consciousness.

Affects a person’s:

• Emotions
• Perceptions
• Behaviors
• Addictive Drugs
  Produce dependence
• Biological
• Psychological

Withdrawal leads to a craving for the drug that, in some cases may  be nearly irresistible.

Stimulants:
Cocaine, Amphetamines

Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines – Increase neural firing and arouse the nervous system.

Effects

• Increased confidence
• Mood elevation
• Sense of energy and alertness
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Transient drowsiness
•  Delayed orgasm.

 

Depressants:
Alcohol, Barbiturates

Depressants: Alcohol, Barbiturates – Decrease nervous system activity.

Effects

• Reduces anxiety
• Impulsiveness
• Dramatic mood swings
• Bizarre thoughts
• Suicidal behavior
• Slurred speech
• Disorientation
• Slowed mental and physical functioning
• Limited attention span

 

Hallucinogens:
Cannabis, LSD

 

Hallucinogens: Cannabis, LSD

Effects

• Euphoria
• Relaxed inhibitions
• Increased appetite
• Disorientated behavior

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Hyperactivity
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleeplessness

Adverse/Overdose Reactions – (Cannabis)

• Panic
• Paranoia
• Fatigue
• Bizarre and dangerous behavior
• Decreased testosterone over
  long-term
• Immune system effects

Adverse/Overdose Reactions – (LSD)

• Nausea and chills
• Increased pulse, temperature and blood pressure
• Slow, deep breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Bizarre, dangerous behavior

Narcotics: Heroin, Morphine

 

Effects

• Anxiety
• Pain reduction
• Apathy
• Euphoria
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed speech
• Decreased physical activity
• Drooling
• Itching
• Nausea

 

 

Withdrawal Symptoms                                                       

• Anxiety and/or panic
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Diarrhea
• Lower back pain and/or muscle cramping
• Watery eyes, runny nose
• Yawning
• Irritability
• Tremors, chills sweating

Adverse/Overdose Reactions      

• Depressed levels of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Shallow breathing
•  Convulsions
• Coma and possible death

 

References:
Bernstein, D.A. & Nash, P.W. (2008). Essentials of psychology (4th ed.) Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Feldman, R. (2013). Essentials of understanding psychology (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Friedman, H.S. & Schustack, M.W. (2012), Personality: classic theories and modern research (5th ed). Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.
McGraw-Hill.McGraw Hill Higher Education (2013), The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.
Ryckman, R. M. (2013). Theories of personality (10th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.