Introduction to Psychology

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org

Mechanism Symptoms Drug

Dangers and side

effects

Psychological

dependence

Physical

dependence

Addiction

potential

Addiction

potential

or chewed

Cocaine

Decreased

appetite, headache Low Low Moderate

Amphetamines

Possible

dependence,

accompanied by

severe “crash”

with depression as

drug effects wear

off, particularly if

smoked or injected Moderate Low

Moderate
to high
Depressants

Depressants change
consciousness by
increasing the
production of the
neurotransmitter GABA
and decreasing the
production of the
neurotransmitter
acetylcholine, usually at
the level of the thalamus
and the reticular
formation.

Calming effects,

sleep, pain relief,

slowed heart rate

and respiration

Alcohol

Impaired

judgment, loss of

coordination,

dizziness, nausea,

and eventually a

loss of

consciousness Moderate Moderate Moderate

Barbiturates and

benzodiazepines

Sluggishness,

slowed speech,

drowsiness, in

severe cases, coma

or death Moderate Moderate Moderate

Toxic inhalants

Brain damage and
death High High High
Opioids

The chemical makeup of
opioids is similar to the
endorphins, the
neurotransmitters that
serve as the body’s
“natural pain reducers.”

Slowing of many

body functions,

constipation,

respiratory and

cardiac

depression, and

the rapid

development of

tolerance

Opium

Side effects

include nausea,

vomiting,

tolerance, and

addiction. Moderate Moderate Moderate

Morphine

Restlessness,

irritability,

headache and body

aches, tremors, High Moderate Moderate