Drugs are categorized based on the effect that they have on the nervous system. Depressant drugs may be inhibitory and reduce the activity in a neuron. In the case of alcohol, cells in the brain that normally inhibit or control behavior are themselves inhibited by the alcohol. At low doses this appears as increased energy and attention. As the drug level increases, nervousness and delusions are more apparent.
Hallucinogenic drugs have delusions and modifications of perception as their dominant effect.
They may also cause relaxation or euphoria, but this is not their primary effect. Exercise 2 Information about the use of psychoactive drugs in American Society can tell us a great deal about why people use drugs. Not only the psychological and physical changes, but the social context in which the drugs are used. Look at materials on drug use that have been prepared for the federal government. 1997 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse Use the information that you find at these sites to answer the following questions.