All drugs are chemicals. There are various methods used to introduce these chemicals into the body; these include smoking, injecting, inhaling, or ingestion. Upon entering the body the chemicals accumulate in the brain where nerve cells send, receive, and process information. Different drugs will work differently. In this presentation, I will describe how drugs affect the brain.
In general, drugs work by imitating the brain’s neurotransmitters or over stimulating the brain’s “reward” circuit.
Marijuana and heroin possess chemical structures that mimic naturally occurring neurotransmitters of our brain. These drugs are able to bind the receptors and activate the nerve cells. Because of differences of these drugs from the naturally occurring transmitters, abnormal messages may be sent through the brain; this may cause …show more content…
This may lead to exaggerated messages and cause problems with communication within the brain.
Drugs of abuse such as nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and others affect the brain’s “reward” circuit. This particular circuit is located in the limbic system of the brain. Normally, when dopamine is released, the “reward” circuit creates feelings of pleasure. When drugs take control of this system, large amounts of dopamine are released; this causes the “high” or euphoria linked with drug use.
Our brains are designed to ensure we repeat healthy activities by associating specific activities with feeling good. When the “reward” circuit is stimulated, the brain will take action which can be performed over and over. Drugs of abuse affect the same circuit, and people can learn to use these drugs in the same way.
With repeated drug use, the brain starts to adjust to the surges of dopamine by reducing the number of dopamine receptors or producing less dopamine. The overall result is less dopamine signaling in the brain. Some neurons may die because of drug
In general, drugs work by imitating the brain’s neurotransmitters or over stimulating the brain’s “reward” circuit.
Marijuana and heroin possess chemical structures that mimic naturally occurring neurotransmitters of our brain. These drugs are able to bind the receptors and activate the nerve cells. Because of differences of these drugs from the naturally occurring transmitters, abnormal messages may be sent through the brain; this may cause …show more content…
This may lead to exaggerated messages and cause problems with communication within the brain.
Drugs of abuse such as nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and others affect the brain’s “reward” circuit. This particular circuit is located in the limbic system of the brain. Normally, when dopamine is released, the “reward” circuit creates feelings of pleasure. When drugs take control of this system, large amounts of dopamine are released; this causes the “high” or euphoria linked with drug use.
Our brains are designed to ensure we repeat healthy activities by associating specific activities with feeling good. When the “reward” circuit is stimulated, the brain will take action which can be performed over and over. Drugs of abuse affect the same circuit, and people can learn to use these drugs in the same way.
With repeated drug use, the brain starts to adjust to the surges of dopamine by reducing the number of dopamine receptors or producing less dopamine. The overall result is less dopamine signaling in the brain. Some neurons may die because of drug