The Effects of Psychoactive Drugs

Purpose: This assignment is intended to better acquaint students with the effects of psychoactive drugs.

PROCEDURE AND CONTENT

Based on the information learned from the module, answer the following questions “essay-style” in your own words.

1. What are the four methods by which psychoactive drugs may enter our bloodstream?

2. Which division of the nervous system is primarily altered by the effects of psychoactive drugs?

3.. What are the three major classes of psychoactive drugs?

4. Briefly describe how amphetamines and cocaine differ in how they work to produce their psychoactive

effects on our bodies.

5. Briefly describe how nicotine and caffeine differ in how they work to produce their psychoactive

effects on our bodies.

6. Briefly explain how morphine and alcohol are similar in how they work to produce their psychoactive

effects on our bodies.

7. Identify and explain the two ways one can develop “tolerance” to psychoactive drugs.

8. Which two areas of the brain, and which neurotransmitter are involved in addiction to psychoactive

drugs such as morphine?

9. According to research on the mechanisms of drug addiction, what is the most critical factor in

addiction?