Psychoactive drugs are defined as substances that affect which of the following processes in users?

Psychoactive drugs are substances that have a significant effect on the brain's functions, particularly those related to mood, perception, and consciousness. When we refer to psychological processes, we are focusing on how these substances influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This can include alterations in mental states, perception of reality, emotional responses, and cognitive functions such as judgment and decision-making.

While psychoactive drugs can indirectly influence physical and cognitive processes, their primary impact is on psychological functioning. For example, they can change a person's mood, create feelings of euphoria, anxiety, or lethargy, and affect how individuals interpret their surroundings and respond to social interactions. Thus, the term "psychological" is most directly aligned with the core effects of psychoactive drugs, as it encompasses all aspects of mental processes affected by these substances.