#PsychUp Avenue - Substance Related Disorders
Substance-Related Disorders
There are four major groups or classifications of substances that may alter a person's "normal" functioning. In most cases, when we think of something that may affect or alter a person's normal functioning, we usually think of drugs and alcohol, but there are a lot of other substances that affect a person more than we think.
Stimulants are
some of the most commonly abused drugs in the world, despite the fact that they
are highly addictive and dangerous. Just like their classification name,
stimulants are substances that stimulate or arouse a person or gives them a
boost of some sort. Believe it or not caffeine is considered a
stimulant drug that is highly addictive.
On the other hand, depressants are
substances that reduce arousal and stimulation. They do not necessarily make a
person feel depressed. They affect the central nervous system, slowing down the
messages between the brain and the body. They can affect concentration and
coordination. They slow down a person’s ability to respond to unexpected
situations. In small doses they can cause a person to feel more relaxed and
less inhibited. for example, alcohol is considered a depressant.
Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that alter a
person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and
feelings. Hallucinogens can cause hallucinations, or sensations and
images that seem real though they are not. Additionally, dissociative drugs can
cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their body and
environment.
Lastly, Opioids are a class
of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as
fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such
as oxycodone. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a
short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in
addition to pain relief, they can be misused.
We'll discuss these classifications in more detail
in upcoming days for a bit more understanding...
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