Psychoactive Drugs

A psychoactive drug can also be referred to as a psycho-pharmaceutical or psychotropic substance. No matter how you refer to it, know that it is a chemical substance that acts primarily upon the central nervous system. From there it alters brain function and results in changes to perception, mood, consciousness and behavior.

Recreational use causes changes to consciousness. This type of drug can be used as a tool for studying, or enhancing, the mind. For ritual or spiritual purposes it can be used as an entheogen. Native Americans have used mescaline-containing peyote cacti for religious ceremonies for as long as 5,700 years. It can also be used as a therapeutic medication. Feelings of euphoria or an increased alertness may be experienced. These types of drugs are often abused despite known risks and negative consequences. With prolonged use of some of these substances an individual may develop a physical dependence requiring drug rehabilitation at a facility such as A Better Tomorrow.

This type of drug use is not new. There is archaeological evidence of its use dating back at least 10,000 years. Over the past 5,000 years there is historical evidence of cultural use. It has been suggested that children’s desire for spinning, swinging, or sliding indicates that the drive to alter one’s state of mind is universal. Animals as well as humans experiment with drugs. Several animals will eat psychoactive plants, berries and even fermented fruit causing intoxication. In fact, humans have observed animals using some of these substances and they in turn started experimenting. Consider it a sort of ‘monkey see, monkey do’ mentality.
Nearly all General anesthetics are a type of psychoactive drug, such as Halothane and Ketamine. They block the patient’s pain and other sensations. Most will induce unconsciousness allowing surgical procedures without the patient experiencing pain or emotional trauma. These types of drugs can also be used in lower doses to manage pain. This would include morphine and codeine, both can become addictive with prolonged use.

If you have been caught up in this vicious cycle, we can help you break it. A Better Tomorrow is waiting to hear from you. We understand the complications you are dealing with. Please, make that call now, if not for yourself, then for someone you love.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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