There are several main classifications of such drugs at the moment. First of all, psychoactive substances are divided according to the strength of their effect on the psyche. According to this classification, there are psychodepressants, psychostimulants and substances with hallucinogenic properties.
Psychodepressants are commonly used to include agents that depress the nervous system. The most commonly used drugs in this category are those in the opium group. In particular, morphine, heroin, codeine, promedol, tramadol, fentanyl and other such drugs are considered to be psychosuppressants.
Sedatives and sleeping pills also fall into this category. This can be methaqualone, lorazepam, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etc Complete depression of the nervous system can be caused by regular intake of chloral hydrate and ether. Finally, alcohol also falls into the category of psychodepressants.
In the category of psychostimulants, drugs such as phenamine, caffeine, ephedrone, pervitin, cidnocarb and cidnophene are at the top of the list. All of the above drugs have an excitatory effect on the human nervous system. In addition, psychostimulants are psychomotor drugs such as amphetamine, methylphenidate and cocaine. The purine alkaloids theobromine and theophylline have an excitatory effect on humans. Finally, the ketones bupropion and amfeprapone are also considered to be in the psychostimulant category.
The third category of psychoactive substances are those with hallucinogenic properties. Popular drugs such as marijuana, LSD and hashish tend to fall into this category. In addition, visual and tactile hallucinations can be caused by ingestion of inhalants. For example, drug addiction occurs in people who regularly sniff acetone, gasoline, stain removers, solvents, glue, toluene and other similar products. Hallucinogenic psychoactive substances also include fly agaric alkaloids, various psychedelics, salvinorin A, ketamine, nitrous oxide and ibogaine. The cholinolytic agents dimenhydrinate, atropine, scopolamine and diphenhydramine can also cause hallucinations.
Exposure to a psychoactive substance can cause changes in neuronal structure and function as the nervous system attempts to restore homeostasis disrupted by the presence of the drug.
During the 20th century, most countries initially responded to recreational drug use by prohibiting production, distribution or use through criminalization.
Drugs that are both rewarding and reinforcing are addictive; these drug properties are mediated by activation of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, especially the contiguous nucleus adnexa.
Signs of Taking Psychoactive Drugs
Today, psychoactive substances are most commonly taken by adolescents and young adults under 30 years of age. In most cases, relatives are unaware of such addictions of their loved one. However, there are several clear signs of substance use.
In addition, the use of psychoactive drugs and medications may be accompanied by behavioral signs. In particular, the drug addict becomes more indifferent to what is happening around him/her, has an inadequate reaction to criticism, memory deteriorates, etc. Also, relatives may notice that valuables, clothes and other things are missing from the house.
The Dangers of Substance Use
Regular intake of such substances, first of all, negatively affects the central nervous system. In particular, these remedies and drugs negatively affect the functioning of the brain. In addition, psychoactive drugs are damaging:
- The immune system.
- Lungs.
- Heart.
- Liver.
Given that some psychoactive substances are injected intravenously, there is also a risk of contracting diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis or AIDS. But the worst part is that regular use of such remedies and drugs leads to mental dependence. Long-term substance abusers cannot imagine their lives without these drugs. In general, a person addicted to such substances is capable of doing anything for the regular intake of heroin, barbiturates, alcohol and other psychoactive drugs.
It is also worth remembering that there is a physical dependence on these remedies. It manifests itself in poor health, development of psychosis, prolonged insomnia, persecution mania, etc.