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What is a psychoactive drug?
A drug that can produce a psychological effect.
What is psychopharmacology?
The study of drugs on the brain and behavior.
What is pharmacokinetics?
How drugs are handled by the body (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).
What is the blood–brain barrier?
A network of blood vessels that limits exchange of substances between blood and brain.
What is an agonist?
A substance that binds to the same receptors as a neurotransmitter and has a similar effect.
What is an antagonist?
A substance that binds to a receptor but does not produce a physiological effect, blocking the natural transmitter.
What does the therapeutic index determine?
The safety of a drug.
What does a larger therapeutic index mean?
A safer drug.
What is sensitization?
The body becomes more responsive to a drug after repeated use.
What is tolerance?
Repeated use of a stimulus results in a weaker response.
What neurotransmitter systems does alcohol affect?
GABA, glutamate, serotonin, opioid, and dopamine systems.
What are long-term effects of alcohol use?
Heart disease, liver cirrhosis, and cancer.
What is considered heavy alcohol use?
About 2–3 drinks per day.
What is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?
Condition from excessive alcohol during pregnancy, causing poor growth, delayed development, small head, narrow eyes, and smooth area between nose and lips.
What are stimulant drugs?
Drugs that increase alertness, mood, and energy (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines).
What are short-term effects of cocaine?
Increased alertness, heightened sensations, reduced sleep/appetite, paranoia, and hallucinations at high doses.
Which neurotransmitters does cocaine increase?
Dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline.
What are long-term effects of cocaine?
Dependence and malnourishment.
What are amphetamines and what were they originally used for?
Synthetic stimulants originally for asthma and narcolepsy; increase dopamine and noradrenaline.
Where is the first evidence of tobacco use found?
Around 1400 BC in New Mexico.
What are the effects of nicotine?
Increased heart rate and blood pressure, may enhance cognition and mood.
What health risks are linked to smoking?
Cancer and cardiovascular disease (from carcinogens in smoke).
How common is caffeine use globally?
About 80% of the world’s population consumes caffeine.
What are the effects of caffeine?
Improved mood and alertness, may increase dopamine transmission, can cause anxiety or panic, and reduce Parkinson’s risk.