Psychoactive Drugs

Definition

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

Related 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:

These are a type of psychoactive drug that primarily cause hallucinations—perceptions that have no basis in reality.

Stimulants:

This is another category of psychoactive drugs which increase activity in the central nervous system causing increased alertness and energy.