Information About Alcohol & Other Drugs

Any drug that distorts the operations of the central nervous system (CNS) is considered a psychoactive drug. Each of these drugs has the capacity to enter the bloodstream, circulate throughout the body and cross the blood brain barrier, altering the function of the CNS. Many psychoactive drugs become drugs of abuse.

Understanding Alcohol and Drug Effects on the Mind and Body

At Mountain Vista Farm, we believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for prevention and recovery. By understanding how alcohol and other drugs affect the body and mind, individuals can make informed choices and recognize the warning signs of addiction early.

Psychoactive drugs—including alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and prescription medications—directly influence the central nervous system (CNS). They alter mood, perception, and behavior, which can lead to short-term pleasure but often long-term harm. Some substances act as CNS stimulants (“uppers”), increasing alertness and energy, while others act as depressants (“downers”), slowing down brain activity and physical functions.

Commonly misused substances include:

  • Alcohol – A depressant that impairs judgment, coordination, and long-term liver health.

  • Opiates and Prescription Painkillers – High risk for dependence and overdose.

  • Marijuana – Alters brain chemistry, attention span, and motivation.

  • Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines) – Cause bursts of energy followed by crashes and potential cardiac issues.

The physical and psychological effects of drug use vary, but addiction often develops when individuals continue using substances despite negative consequences. Understanding the signs of drug dependence—like tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal—is key to recognizing when professional help is needed.

At Mountain Vista Farm, we combine education, therapy, and evidence-based care to address the full picture of addiction. Our goal is not only to treat but to empower individuals and families through awareness, prevention, and recovery resources.

By learning how psychoactive substances work and how they affect health, you take the first step toward making safer, more informed choices—or helping someone you care about do the same.

More Information About Drugs

Psychoactive drugs are not new. They have been used as a shortcut to altered consciousness for much of human history. The use of drugs such as alcohol, opiates, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine, tobacco, and other mood altering drugs have been documented for centuries in most human societies. Why? Because they work! They seem to take care of problems and they allow us to have experiences that may not be so accessible without drugs. We realized early in our history that drugs could be used…

 

…as medicines. Some drugs work wonderfully well for pain control, sedation and anxiety relief. Others control diarrhea and cramps or take care of other symptoms of disease. Sometimes they even cure disease.

…as a mechanism for inducing pleasure, even euphoria.

…as an access to religious experiences – for sacred ceremonies and rituals, or to create visions. There are numerous reasons for humans to seek drugs. Drugs have all kinds of effects: some desirable, some not.

Desired Effects

  • Euphoria
  • Self-Medication
  • Pain Relief
  • Anxiety control
  • Confidence
  • Energy
  • Competitive edge
  • Peer acceptance
  • Social grease
  • Boredom relief
  • Spirituality
  • To “Solve” Life’s Problems
  • Escape
  • Oblivion

We usually call those effects that we do not want “side effects.” One of the earmarks of addiction is to tolerate increasingly serious side effects in search of the desired effects.

Drug Classification

Methods of drug classification vary, since there is overlap among drug effects and a variety of reasons for classifying them. The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (FDEA), for instance, classifies drugs on “schedules,” determined by their perceived potential for abuse and illegal activity. On FDEA schedules, marijuana and heroin are listed together as Schedule I drugs, though their actions on the body are quite dissimilar. Other classifications group drugs according to their chemical makeup and their effects on the body.

For our purposes, the categories of drugs we are concerned about are those which cause intoxication, create dependence and can be self-administered. We will borrow and summarize a particularly useful, practical classification system offered by Inaba, Cohen and Holstein in their text, Uppers, Downers, All Arounders (4th. Edition, 2004) which offers a clear overview of abused drugs and their effects.

Uppers (CNS Stimulants)

Stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine – all of which stimulate activity of the central nervous system. The effects – more energy, increased confidence, decreased appetite and pursuant weight loss – are sought in our society. Stimulants can make the user feel that instincts – such as the need to eat or sleep – have been satisfied. Learn more about uppers.

Downers (CNS Depressants)

These are the drugs which slow the functioning of the CNS and tend to slow the body and mind. They include alcohol, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and antihistamines. The effects of downers can be very pleasurable. In fact, it has been said of heroin, “It’s too good to try even once.” Learn more about Opiates.

Marijuana

Cannabis has been in use for many centuries. The widespread use in the United States is a phenomenon of the last third of the 20th century. The negative impact of this drug has been underestimated by most users, but research and anecdotal experience are showing a dangerous underbelly to this “harmless” drug. Learn more about Marijuana.

Opiates

The narcotic analgesic drugs are our great pain relievers. Some of these drugs – opium, morphine and codeine – are derived directly from the opium poppy. Some are synthesized, such as heroin, Percodan, methadone, Dilaudid, Demerol and Darvon. Opiates are currently our most effective pain control drugs but have huge potential for addiction. Learn more about Opiates.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are a great help to society. Drugs such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opiates, diet pills and even some antihistamines serve important medical functions, but are mood altering and carry a risk for addiction – sometimes even when used according to physicians’ directions. Learn more about prescription drugs.
Please also see our extensive directory of useful links related to specific drug information and addiction resources.

If at any time you would like to speak with us, please contact us. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. We can be reached immediately at 1-707-996-6716.