Final answer:
Psychoactive drugs are substances that influence the brain and affect mood, perception, and behavior. Examples include caffeine (a stimulant) and alcohol (a depressant). These drugs are categorized into classes like stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens, and their legal status varies by substance and region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychoactive drugs are substances that change the function of the brain resulting in alterations of mood, thinking, perception, and behavior. These substances can be used for various purposes such as therapeutic, ritual, or recreational use. Examples include both legal substances like alcohol and caffeine, and illegal drugs such as LSD and cocaine.
Examples of psychoactive drugs include:
- Caffeine - A central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, and many sodas.
- Alcohol - A depressant that impacts the central nervous system.
These drugs can be classified into various groups such as:
- Stimulants (e.g., caffeine, nicotine)
- Depressants (e.g., alcohol)
- Anxiolytics (e.g., benzodiazepines)
- Euphoriants (e.g., opioids)
- Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD)
- Empathogens (e.g., MDMA)
Drugs like cannabis have a complex status, as in some jurisdictions, it's legal for both medical and recreational purposes, while in others it's not. Similarly, while some psychoactive drugs are legal like prescription medications, others are illegal and used recreationally, which can lead to drug addiction.