Final answer:
Psychoactive drugs alter brain function and include substances like prescription opioids, alcohol, and illegal drugs. They are classified based on abuse potential, leading to federal regulation. Misuse can result in abuse, addiction, and severe health consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs are substances that have an effect on the brain, leading to changes in mood, perception, cognition, and behavior. Examples of psychoactive drugs include prescription medications like opioid painkillers, legal substances such as alcohol and nicotine, and illegal drugs like LSD and heroin. These substances are categorized by the federal government based on their potential for abuse and addiction, and they are regulated accordingly. Psychoactive drugs are divided into various classes, such as stimulants, depressants, anxiolytics, euphoriants, hallucinogens, and empathogens, according to their pharmacological effects on the body.
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Drug abuse occurs when a person uses a drug without medical supervision or for non-medical reasons, potentially leading to addiction. Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use despite the harmful consequences, and it may result in physical or psychological dependence, which involves withdrawal symptoms when drug use is ceased. Misuse of these drugs can lead to severe outcomes like overdose and death, emphasizing the importance of understanding the drugs' effects and risks associated with their use.