Explain different types of psycho-active drugs and patterns of their use.

Categorization of Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drugs can be broadly categorized based on their primary effects on the central nervous system:

1. Depressants

• Mechanism: These drugs slow down brain activity, reducing arousal and inhibiting the nervous system.
• Examples:
  • Alcohol: Widely consumed, affecting GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems.
  • Barbiturates: Historically used as sedatives and hypnotics, now largely replaced by benzodiazepines.
  • Benzodiazepines: Used for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle relaxation; act on GABA receptors.
  • Opioids: (e.g., Heroin, Morphine, Codeine) – Powerful pain relievers with high addiction potential, acting on opioid receptors.
• Usage Patterns: Alcohol is often used socially, but can lead to chronic dependence. Opioids are frequently initiated for pain management, progressing to recreational use and addiction.

2. Stimulants

• Mechanism: These drugs increase brain activity, enhancing alertness, energy, and focus.
• Examples:
  • Caffeine: A mild stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
  • Nicotine: Found in tobacco products, highly addictive.
  • Amphetamines: (e.g., Adderall, Methamphetamine) – Used for ADHD and narcolepsy, but also abused for their stimulant effects.
  • Cocaine: A powerful stimulant derived from coca leaves.
• Usage Patterns: Caffeine and nicotine are often used daily. Amphetamines and cocaine are frequently used recreationally, often in cycles of binge and withdrawal.

3. Hallucinogens

• Mechanism: These drugs alter perception, thought, and mood, often causing hallucinations and distortions of reality.
• Examples:
  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): A potent hallucinogen affecting serotonin receptors.
  • Psilocybin: Found in “magic mushrooms,” also affecting serotonin receptors.
  • Mescaline: Found in peyote cactus.
  • MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly): Has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties, affecting serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
• Usage Patterns: Hallucinogens are typically used occasionally for recreational purposes, often in social settings. MDMA is frequently used in rave culture.

4. Cannabis

• Mechanism: Contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which affects cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
• Examples: Marijuana, Hashish
• Usage Patterns: Can be smoked, vaporized, or ingested. Usage patterns vary widely, from occasional recreational use to chronic dependence.

Patterns of Psychoactive Drug Use

Patterns of drug use vary significantly based on the substance, individual factors, and cultural context:

• Experimental Use: Initial, infrequent use, often driven by curiosity.
• Recreational Use: Occasional use for enjoyment or social purposes.
• Regular Use: Frequent use, but not necessarily dependent.
• Abuse: Use that leads to negative consequences in one or more areas of life.
• Dependence/Addiction: Compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Routes of Administration: Drugs can be administered through various routes, including oral ingestion, inhalation, injection, and transdermal absorption. The route of administration affects the speed of onset and intensity of effects.

Drug Category	Common Route of Administration	Typical Effects
Opioids	Injection, Snorting, Oral	Euphoria, Pain Relief, Respiratory Depression
Cocaine	Snorting, Injection, Smoking	Euphoria, Increased Energy, Anxiety
LSD	Oral	Hallucinations, Altered Perception