The brain is a communications center consisting of billions of neurons, or nerve cells. Networks of neurons pass messages back and forth among different structures within the brain, the spinal cord, and nerves in the rest of the body. Drugs also are chemicals that affect the brain by tapping into its communication system and interfering with the way neurons normally send, receive, and process information. Most drugs of abuse directly or indirectly target the
The brain is a communications center consisting of billions of neurons, or nerve cells. Networks of neurons pass messages back and forth among different structures within the brain, the spinal cord, and nerves in the rest of the body. Drugs also are chemicals that affect the brain by tapping into its communication system and interfering with the way neurons normally send, receive, and process information. Most drugs of abuse directly or indirectly target the