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NEUROSCIENCE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE AND DEPENDENCE

Table 4.2 Features of major classes of psychoactive substances
Class Examples Most common behavioural effects

Stimulants Amphetamine Stimulation, arousal, increased energy,
Cocaine increased concentration, decreased appetite,
Ecstasy increased heart rate, increased respiration,
Nicotine paranoia, panic
Depressants Alcohol Relaxation, disinhibition, motor impairments,
Sedatives/hypnotics memory and cognitive impairments,
Volatile solvents anxiolysis
Hallucinogens Cannabinoids Hallucinations, increased sensory awareness,
LSD motor and cognitive deficits
Phencyclidine
Opioids Morphine Euphoria, analgesia, sedation
Heroin

of substance dependence must take these factors into account, while at the
same time noting the similarities across drug classes. The next chapter
examines genetic effects on substance use, both across and between
substance groups. Chapter 6 discusses how substance use interacts with,
precipitates, or may be a result of psychiatric illness. It is important to keep
in mind that substance dependence is the result of not only the primary
pharmacological properties of the psychoactive substance, but also the
complex interplay of biological and environmental factors that surround its
use.

References
Acquas E et al. (2001) Intravenous administration of ecstasy (3,4-
methylenedioxymethamphetamine) enhances cortical and striatal acetylcholine
release in vivo. European Journal of Pharmacology, 418:207–211.
Adams IB, Martin BR (1996) Cannabis: pharmacology and toxicology in animals
and humans. Addiction, 91:1585–1614.
Ahijevych K (1999) Nicotine metabolism variability and nicotine addiction.
Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 1(Suppl.):S59–S62.
Akil H et al. (1997) Molecular and neuroanatomical properties of the endogenous
opioid systems: implications for the treatment of opiate addiction. Seminars in
Neuroscience, 9:70–83.
Ali R et al. (1999) Report of the external panel on the evaluation of the Swiss
scientific studies of medically prescribed narcotics to drug addicts. Sucht, 45:160–
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Allen RM, Young SJ (1978) Phencyclidine-induced psychosis. American Journal
of Psychiatry, 135:1081–1084.

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