Question

Explain and write an analysis of the interactions of each of the three types of psychoactive drugs (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens) and the effects they have on the brain and nervous system in your own words. 150 words

Answer 1

• A psychoactive drug is a chemical that changes our states of consciousness, and particularly our perceptions and moods. These drugs are commonly found in everyday foods and beverages, including chocolate, coffee, and soft drinks, as well as in alcohol and in over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin etc. Psychoactive drugs are also frequently prescribed as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and antianxiety medications, and they may be taken, illegally also.
• Depressants have the capability to reduce the activity of the central nervous system. It slows down reactions and reduces the strength of response. It can also cause drowsiness; sleep or it can even cause death depending on the dosage taken. Most depressants interfere with neuro transmission. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that facilitate communication between brain cells.Through their specific mechanisms they inhibit brain activity.
• There are serious social problems involving depressant drugs. These are the use of Alcohol and Heroin. The used of alcohol in beverages are widespread in our society. Many people are addicted to the point where these people suffer from actual physical reactions, sweating or tremors when deprived from using these drugs.
• Heroin is also a serious problem which causes misery, crime, and deaths from overdoses. This drug is used to relieve pain; it produces feeling of well-being and freedom from worry, exhilaration, and extreme physical pleasures.
• Stimulants have opposite effect to those of the depressants. These drugs increase the activity of the central nervous systems. It also speeds up reactions; produce a feeling of light headedness, alertness and euphoria. Drugs such as caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine belong to this category.They act in the brain similar to key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants enhance the effects of these chemicals in the brain and can induce a feeling of euphoria.
• Hallucinogens have the capability to produce perpetual and temporal distortions. These drugs affect the perception and thinking by producing distortions.Hallucinogens cause negative psychological effects and anti-social behavior.It affects the individual's perception of reality and produces hallucinations and causes oher alterations of senses.