Introduction to Substance-Related Disorders

What you’ll learn to do: examine the characteristics and complications of depressants, alcohol, and stimulants

Psychadelic image from Mandelbrot Set.

In this section, you will learn about some of the general characteristics of commonly abused drugs, such as depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Then you’ll learn more about alcohol use and abuse and complications caused by stimulant use disorder.

Watch It

This CrashCourse video gives an excellent overview of altered states of consciousness caused by psychoactive drugs.

 

You can view the transcript “Altered States: Crash Course Psychology #10” here (opens in new window).