Chapter 1
Psychoactive Drugs:
History & Classification

Overview

The first part of this chapter provides a historical survey of the use of psychoactive substances and compulsive behaviors in all civilizations. The second part presents a system for classifying psychoactive substances.

Through the last 10,000 years, humans have used psychoactive drugs to alter their consciousness for a variety of reasons. A number of historical themes regarding the use of these substances become apparent.

1. There is a basic need of human beings to cope with their environment.
2. Psychoactive drugs work because they mimic natural brain neurochemicals.
3. Governments and businesses have always been involved in the drug trade.
4. Technological advances in refining psychoactive drugs have increased their potency.
5. Researchers and users have discovered new ways of taking drugs so they reach the brain faster.

Psychoactive drugs are substances that affect the central nervous system. This book classifies drugs according to their effects: stimulants (uppers), depressants (downers), and psychedelics (all arounders). Other groups of drugs include inhalants, sports drugs (e.g., anabolic steroids), and psychiatric medications such as Haldol^®and Prozac®. We also include compulsive behaviors (e.g., gambling, eating disorders, etc.) that can be acted out in an addictive manner.