CATEGORIES OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES
A drug or other substance that affects how the brain works and causes
changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior.Psychoactive
substances are chemicals that affect the brain and can change a person’s
mood, thoughts, or behavior. These substances are often used for
recreational purposes or in medicine, but they can be harmful if misused.
Here are the main categories of psychoactive substances in simpler terms:
1. Depressants:
○ These slow down the activity of the brain and nervous system.
They make people feel relaxed or sleepy.
○ Examples: Alcohol, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers.
2. Stimulants:
○ These speed up brain activity and make people feel more alert
or energetic.
○ Examples: Caffeine (in coffee or tea), nicotine (in cigarettes),
and drugs like cocaine or meth.
3. Hallucinogens:
○ These substances cause people to see, hear, or feel things that
are not really there, often called hallucinations.
○ Examples: LSD, magic mushrooms, and PCP.
4. Opioids:
○ These are pain-relieving substances that can also make people
feel relaxed and happy. However, they can be very addictive.
○ Examples: Heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers like
oxycodone.
5. Cannabis (Marijuana):
○ Cannabis affects the brain in many ways, making people feel
relaxed, happy, or sometimes anxious or paranoid.
○ Example: Marijuana.
Each of these categories affects the brain differently and can have various
effects on the body and behavior, especially if used in large amounts or for
long periods.
Substance abuse can have severe impacts on a person’s physical health,
mental health, and social relationships. Here's how it affects each area:
1. Physical Health:
● Damage to Organs: Long-term substance abuse can damage vital
organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. For example, alcohol
abuse can lead to liver cirrhosis, and smoking can cause lung cancer.
● Weakened Immune System: Abusing substances can make the
immune system weaker, making it harder for the body to fight
infections.
● Increased Risk of Accidents: Substances like alcohol and drugs
impair coordination and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents,
injuries, and even death.
● Addiction and Withdrawal: Regular use can lead to physical
dependence. When someone tries to stop, they can experience
painful withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, and
nausea.
2. Mental Health:
● Mood Swings: Psychoactive substances can cause extreme mood
changes, from euphoria to depression, anxiety, or irritability.
● Mental Disorders: Long-term use can lead to mental health
disorders like depression, anxiety, paranoia, or psychosis. Some
drugs, like cocaine or meth, can cause hallucinations and delusions.
● Cognitive Problems: Drug use can impair memory, decision-making,
and the ability to concentrate, leading to cognitive decline over time.
● Increased Risk of Suicide: People struggling with substance abuse
may also face an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors,
especially if they are dealing with mental health issues.
3. Social Relationships:
● Strained Family Relationships: Substance abuse often leads to
arguments, misunderstandings, and broken trust within families,
leading to isolation or even the breakup of families.
● Loss of Friendships: People may distance themselves from
someone who abuses substances due to behavior changes,
dishonesty, or irresponsibility. Friends may also avoid someone for
safety reasons.
● Work and School Problems: Substance abuse can lead to poor
performance at work or school, frequent absences, or even loss of
employment or academic opportunities. This can further strain
relationships with coworkers, classmates, or employers.
● Legal and Financial Issues: Substance abuse can lead to criminal
behavior, such as theft or driving under the influence, which can
create legal issues and financial problems, causing further stress on
relationships.
CRIME AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Here are the key points connecting crime and substance abuse in simple
terms:
1. Increased Risk of Committing Crimes: People under the influence
of drugs or alcohol may engage in criminal behavior due to impaired
judgment and decision-making.
2. Drug-Related Offenses: Many crimes are directly linked to drug use,
such as theft, drug trafficking, or violence, as people often commit
crimes to feed their addiction.
3. Violence and Aggression: Some substances, like alcohol or
stimulants (e.g., cocaine), can increase aggression, leading to fights,
assaults, or domestic violence.
4. Impaired Driving: Substance abuse (especially alcohol or drugs)
significantly increases the risk of accidents or illegal driving, like
driving under the influence (DUI).
5. Addiction and Criminal Records: People who are addicted to drugs
may get arrested for possessing illegal substances, leading to
criminal records and legal consequences.
6. Connection with Organized Crime: The illegal drug trade is often
controlled by criminal organizations that profit from selling drugs,
leading to violence and crime in communities.
7. Impact on Families and Communities: Substance abuse can lead
to family breakdowns, child neglect, and exposure to criminal
activities, affecting the safety and well-being of communities.
In short, substance abuse often leads to crime, both directly (through
criminal actions) and indirectly (through the impact on society and
relationships).
