Toxic substances, psychoactive drugs

Additionally, chronic drug use has been linked to neuropsychological problems that in turn make it harder to stop the cycle of abuse. Psychoactive drugs by definition affect the brain, and long-term or acute exposure to psychoactive substances can be toxic. Furthermore, we know that drug abuse can increase the risks of stroke, brain injury related to accidents, malnutrition, or liver damage, all of which can adversely affect brain function as well. 

Additionally, impulse-control and attention problems, hyperactivity, and even antisocial behavior could be caused by a prenatal exposure to psychoactive drugs that escaped detection. Research has linked these conditions with known prenatal toxicity, and the consequences of low levels of prenatal exposure to psychoactive substances can sometimes be missed. In these instances, the symptoms are more likely to be observed as behavioral and attributed to other causes (such as Attention-Deficit Disorder). Recent research also suggests that children of mothers who may have used substances during pregnancy also may be at risk for drug problems later in life (Baer, Sampson, Barr, Connor, Streissguth, 2003). 

Globe RS (1993) Toward a cmnparative overview of dependence potential and acute toxicity of psychoactive substances used non-medically. Drug Alcohol Abuse 19 263-281 150. Rolsten C (1967) Effects of chlorpromazine, psilocybin and psilocin on pregnancy of C57BL/10 mice and their offspring at birth. Anat Rec 157 311... 

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