Although many questions about the toxic effects of inhalants in general are unresolved, the nervous system is clearly vulnerable to toxicity from these substances . Psychoactive Drugs act on the nervous system to alter consciousness, modify perceptions, and change moods. In fact, roughly 80% of adult Americans consume caffeine daily. These drugs are called opioids partly because they activate the opioid receptors on nerve cells, mimicking the effects of pain-relieving chemicals that would otherwise be produced naturally. How Cocaine Affects the Nervous System | Banyan Massachusetts Children try drugs when their friends convince them to do it, and these decisions are based on social norms about the risks and benefits of various drugs. Injecting drugs intravenously carries with it the risk of contracting infections such as hepatitis and HIV. MDMA is a very strong stimulant that very successfully prevents the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These drugs operate by affecting neurons (nerve cells) in the CNS, which leads to symptoms such as drowsiness, relaxation, decreased inhibition, anesthesia, sleep, coma, and even death. In recent years, cannabis has again been frequently prescribed for the treatment of pain and nausea, particularly in cancer sufferers, as well as for a wide variety of other physical and psychological disorders (Ben Amar, 2006). Prescription CNS Depressants DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug However, the faster the drug is absorbed, the faster the effects subside. Increased rate of breathing. Johnston, L. D., OMalley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2004). NIDA warns that even long-term abstinence may not reverse all of the negative brain changes incurred by meth abuse. Effects Of Marijuana On The Central Nervous System - Marijuana - Drug Times 3.3 Based on the different ways in which they affect the brain, psychoactive drugs can be divided into four main groups: depressants (e.g., alcohol and sedatives), stimulants . CNS stimulants are associated with a number of severe and undesirable side effects such as: Depersonalization (a feeling that you are an observer of yourself) Dizziness. Higher doses of this drug can cause a person to experience erratic behaviors, including violence, anxiety, panic, and paranoia. Common brand names of prescription opioids include OxyContin and Percocet. The high from snorting cocaine may last 30 minutes, whereas the high from smoking crack cocaine may last only 10 minutes. Effect of Different Psychoactive Substances on Serum Biochemical