Chapter 14: Problem 3

Classify each drug listed as a stimulant (S), depressant (D), hallucinogen (H), or narcotic (N). 1\. Nicotine 2\. Cocaine 3\. Alcohol 4\. Morphine 5\. Marijuana

Short Answer

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1. Nicotine: Stimulant, 2. Cocaine: Stimulant, 3. Alcohol: Depressant, 4. Morphine: Narcotic, 5. Marijuana: Hallucinogen

Step by step solution

Understanding Drug Categories

Need to know that Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's processes including the heart and respiratory rates. These include drugs like nicotine and cocaine. Depressants do the opposite; they slow down the body's functions and are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, with alcohol being a well-known example. Hallucinogens alter the users perception of reality; they cause visual and auditory hallucinations, and marijuana is a common example. Finally, narcotics are a type of drug that relieve pain and induce sleep, such as morphine.

Classify each Drug

Now each drug can be classified according to these categories. 1. Nicotine is a stimulant. 2. Cocaine, too, is a stimulant. 3. Alcohol is a depressant. 4. Morphine is a narcotic. 5. Marijuana is predominantly a hallucinogen but can also have depressant and stimulant properties.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that elevate physiological or nervous activity in the body. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can lead to increased alertness, attention, and energy.

Common examples include nicotine, which is found in tobacco products, and cocaine, a powerful illegal stimulant. These substances can temporarily enhance mental or physical function, which is why some people might use them to boost concentration or social performance. However, they also carry significant risks, including addiction and adverse cardiovascular effects.

Nicotine elevates heart rate and sharpens mental focus.
Cocaine provides a burst of energy and euphoria but has high abuse potential.

Depressants

Depressants are drugs that inhibit the function of the central nervous system (CNS) and decrease neuronal activity. This can result in a range of effects from mild relaxation to deep sleep.

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed depressants. In small amounts, it can act as a social lubricant, but when consumed in larger quantities, it significantly impairs cognitive and motor function. Depressants are often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. However, they can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse if not used responsibly.

Alcohol can reduce anxiety and induce drowsiness.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that cause profound alterations in sensory perception, thought processes, and emotional states.

Marijuana is commonly known to have hallucinogenic properties, though it doesn't cause hallucinations in the typical sense. Instead, it can alter one's sense of time, sensory perception, and can cause delusional thinking in high doses. Hallucinogens can be synthesized (like LSD) or occur naturally (like psilocybin mushrooms). While some advocate for their therapeutic potential, they can be unpredictable and sometimes result in distressing experiences known as 'bad trips'.

Marijuana has mild hallucinogenic effects alongside its depressant and stimulant properties.

Narcotics

Narcotics, also known as opioids, are drugs used to alleviate pain and induce sleep. They exert their effects by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body.

Morphine, derived from the opium poppy, is a classic example of a narcotic with powerful pain-relieving properties. Prescribed responsibly, narcotics can be a critical part of medical care, particularly in pain management. However, they carry a substantial risk of addiction and adverse effects—especially with long-term or improper use. They are also responsible for significant numbers of overdose deaths worldwide.

Morphine is a potent painkiller and characteristic drug in the narcotics category.

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Classify each drug listed as a stimulant (S), depressant (D), hallucinogen (H), or narcotic (N). 1\. Nicotine 2\. Cocaine 3\. Alcohol 4\. Morphine 5\. Marijuana

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Drug Categories

Classify each Drug

Key Concepts

Stimulants

Depressants

Hallucinogens

Narcotics

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