psychoaktive

Psychoaktive substances are chemicals that affect the central nervous system and alter mood, perception, cognition, or behavior. They can be natural or synthetic and may be used recreationally, medically, or both. Their effects depend on dose, context, and individual physiology, and they act by modulating neurotransmitter systems and neural circuits.

Common broad categories include stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine), depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines), hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin), dissociatives (ketamine), opioids (morphine, fentanyl), and empathogens (MDMA). There are also many other psychoactive compounds.

Mechanisms: Psychoactives act by altering neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate, affecting reward, mood regulation, and perception. Effects vary by dose, route of administration, and user history; same substance can have therapeutic and risky outcomes depending on context.

Medical use and safety: Many psychoactives are prescribed for conditions such as pain, anxiety, depression, or anesthesia, while others carry significant abuse potential and risk of dependence, withdrawal, overdose, or adverse interactions. Harm reduction emphasizes accurate information, dosage control, and avoiding combining substances.

Legal and social aspects: Legal status ranges from restricted to widely available. Some psychoactives are essential medicines; others are illicit. Cultural attitudes and public health policies influence access, research, and education.

In German and Dutch, the term psychoaktive is standard; in English, psychoactive is common.