---
title: "Psychoactive Drugs — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Psychoactive drugs alter mood, perception, and consciousness by changing brain neurochemistry. Learn how they affect neural firing for AP Psych Topic 2.5."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/psychoactive-drugs"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Psychoactive Drugs — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Psychoactive drugs are substances that can alter perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior by changing the brain's neurochemistry.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.5 Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing](/ap-psych-revised/unit-2/influence-drugs-on-neural-firing/study-guide/qpF4HpczLPalQsFzxDq2)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Neurotransmitters](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/neurotransmitters): These are the body's natural chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron.
- [Hallucinogens](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/hallucinogens): These are a type of psychoactive drug that primarily cause hallucinations—perceptions that have no basis in reality.
- [Stimulants](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/stimulants): This is another category of psychoactive drugs which increase activity in the central nervous system causing increased alertness and energy.