Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Substances of Abuse

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the speaker covers the five basic classes of psychoactive substances: opiates and opioids, stimulants, psychedelics, sedatives, and inhalants. Opiates and opioids are different, with opiates coming directly from opium and opioids being semi-synthetic. The United States is the biggest user of opioids in the world. Stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines, and can cause agitation, hallucinations, and even death in overdose. Psychedelics, or hallucinogens, include marijuana, fencyclidine (PCP), and MDMA or ecstasy. Marijuana is commonly used and can cause relaxation and heightened sensory awareness. Ecstasy can induce euphoria and empathy. Sedatives include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates, which have depressant effects on the central nervous system. Inhalants are volatile substances that produce central nervous system depressant effects when inhaled. It is important to consult an addiction medicine specialist for more information.

Keywords

psychoactive substances

opiates

opioids

stimulants

sedatives

inhalants