Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs are a part of almost everyone’s life. Most people take, or at one time has taken, vitamins, aspirin, or cold relief medicine. These drugs, however, rarely produce an altered state and aren’t considered psychoactive.

Psychoactive drugs are those that influence a person’s emotions, behavior, and perceptions. If you’ve ever had a cup of coffee or a beer, you’ve taken a psychoactive drug. However, most psychoactive drugs are more harmful. Psychoactive drugs can be broken down into four classes.

Stimulates are drugs that cause a rise in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscular tension. Caffeine is the most common stimulate. The major effects of caffeine are an increase in attentiveness and a decrease in reaction time. People can even build up a biological dependence on caffeine.

Other, more harmful, stimulates include cocaine and amphetamines. These drugs produce increased confidence, mood enhancement, and a sense of energy and alertne...