are substances that can change people’s moods or feelings. These include stimulants, depressants (including alcohol), and hallucinogens.
occurs when the user replaces his or her primary drug with a secondary drug that is not cross-tolerant, such as cocaine and alcohol, which have different physical effects.
are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that carry messages between special cells called neurons (which make up nerves).
the effects that a drug has on a person shortly after the drug is taken.
results from prolonged exposure to a mood-altering drug. The cells in the body become accustomed to the drug and begin to adapt to the presence of that drug. When this happens, the body appears to be in balance only when the drug is present.
is the use of mood-altering drugs that interferes with or has a negative effect on a person’s life. This term is ranked from mild to severe, depending on the number of symptoms identified for a person.
is a primary, chronic, and progressive condition with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and outcome. It involves compulsion, loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and other symptoms.This term is used to describe severe problems related to the compulsive and habitual use of mood-altering substances. It is often called a biopsychological disorder.
occurs when individuals use both a primary drug and one or more secondary drugs, frequently taking depressants and stimulants together. Because the stimulant and the depressant counteract each other, individuals with large amounts of both drugs may not feel very intoxicated and can consume very large amounts of both drugs, with potentially dangerous effects.
also known as kindling, occurs when the user’s body becomes extremely sensitive to a drug, causing an extreme reaction, such as a seizure or a psychotic episode.
is a psychological defense mechanism that protects people from seeing the harsh realities of their addiction.