Psychoactive drug

A Psychoactive drug or psychotropic substance is a chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. These substances may be used recreationally, to purposefully alter one's consciousness, or therapeutically as medication.

Pronunciation

Psychoactive drug: /ˌsaɪkoʊˈæktɪv drʌɡ/

Etymology

The term "Psychoactive drug" is derived from the Greek words "psyche" meaning mind or soul, "aktos" meaning driven, and the English word "drug" which is believed to have originated from the Old French "drogue" meaning a 'supply, stock, provision'.

Related Terms

Psychopharmacology: The scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior.
Neuropharmacology: The study of how drugs affect cellular function in the nervous system.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how an organism affects a drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Pharmacodynamics: The study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body.
Recreational drug use: The use of a drug with the primary intention to alter the state of consciousness in order to create positive emotions.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Psychoactive drug
Wikipedia's article - Psychoactive drug

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Psychoactive drug