Definition

• Psychoactive drugs alter brain functioning by acting upon the central nervous system; they can alter the mood, cognition and perception of the user. Psychoactive drugs include a wide variety of substances legal and illegal, common and highly specialized.
  
  

History

• The use of psychoactive substances can be traced from prehistory to contemporary times. There is evidence of the use of psychoactive substances from cultures all around the world. Archaeologists have discovered wine residue in northern Iran that dates to 6000 B.C. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical texts in existence, dating to 1500 B.C., details the medicinal use of marijuana.
  
  

Use

• Psychoactive drugs are used for many different reasons. Physicians may prescribe a psychoactive drug, like morphine, to treat pain. Other psychoactive drugs may be prescribed for the treatment of mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Psychoactive drugs have a long history as part of religious rituals in many different cultures. Due to the way psychoactive drugs alter mood, perception and cognition they are also used recreationally. Caffeine, nicotine, marijuana, alcohol and cocaine are examples of psychoactive drugs commonly used for recreational purposes.
  
  

Effects

• Psychoactive drugs work by temporarily altering typical neurological functioning. The drugs yield different effects. Depressants are psychoactive substances that slow neurological functioning. Alcohol is an example of a commonly used depressant. Stimulants, which range from caffeine to cocaine, increase neurological functioning. Opiates, containing opium derived from the poppy plant, dull or block painful sensation. Morphine and heroin are examples of opiates. Hallucinogens, such as marijuana and LSD, alter the perception and cognition of the user. Hallucinogens can also produce a feeling of euphoria. Examples of psychoactive drugs used for psychiatric treatment of mental disorders are stimulants, anti-depressants and anti-psychotics; these are used to stabilize the emotions or moods of the user.
  
  

Caution

• Many psychoactive drugs are physically or psychologically addictive. Because of the capacity for psychoactive drugs to produce pleasurable effects in the form of altered perception, heightened mood or relief from pain and anxiety, the likelihood exists for psychoactive drugs to be abused. Some psychoactive drugs are illegal. The U.S. government classifies drugs deemed unsafe and of no medicinal value, such as marijuana, LSD and psilocybin, as Schedule I drugs. Users of these drugs risk criminal prosecution. The use of many legal psychoactive substances, such as tobacco and alcohol, are also regulated by the federal government in the form of age limits for purchase and use.