Alcohol Abusive and Dependence

- Psychosocial affects – chronic fatigue, oversensitivity, depression, impaired reasoning

- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms – disorientation, acute fear, extreme suggestibility, marked
tremors of hands, fever, foul breath for 3-6 days
Psychoactive substances
- Depressants: alcohols, heroin and opium – slows the activity of central nervous system
o Alcohols: relaxes people and relieves minor pain – impairs cognitive functioning and
reduces motor coordination
o Heroin: cause drowsiness and stupor, alter time perception and impair judgement
- Stimulants: caffeine, cocaine and nicotine – increase the activity of the nervous system –
can stimulate cognitive activity and provides feelings of euphoria
o Amphetamines: prolonged use can lead to deep sleep and depression – used to stay
awake – insomnia and hallucinations
o Cocaine: produces euphoria, reduces hunger and deadens pain – can cause
hallucinations and delusions
o Nicotine: discharges adrenaline and releases dopamine – relax people and reduces
stress – shortness of breath, lung cancer
- Hallucinogens: LSD, marijuana, mescaline – can lead to vivid hallucinations