A drug or other substance that affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior. Depending on the substance, psychoactive drugs can cause euphoria, increased energy, sleepiness, hallucinations, and more. Examples of psychoactive substances include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, marijuana, and certain pain medicines. Many illegal drugs, such as heroin, LSD, cocaine, and amphetamines are also psychoactive substances. Also called psychotropic substance.