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How do drugs work in the brain?

Drugs are chemicals. They work in the brain by tapping into the brain's communication system and interfering with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter. This similarity in structure "fools" receptors and allows the drugs to lock onto and activate the nerve cells. Although these drugs mimic brain chemicals, they don't activate nerve cells in the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and they lead to abnormal messages being transmitted through the network.

Other drugs, such as amphetamine or cocaine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message, ultimately disrupting communication channels. The difference in effect can be described as the difference between someone whispering into your ear and someone shouting into a microphone.

How do drugs work in the brain to produce pleasure?

Most drugs of abuse directly or indirectly target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation of this system, which rewards our natural behaviors, produces the euphoric effects sought by people who abuse drugs and teaches them to repeat the behavior.

How does stimulation of the brain's pleasure circuit teach us to keep taking drugs?

Our brains are wired to ensure that we will repeat life-sustaining activities by associating those activities with pleasure or reward. Whenever this reward circuit is activated, the brain notes that something important is happening that needs to be remembered, and teaches us to do it again and again, without thinking about it. Because drugs of abuse stimulate the same circuit, we learn to abuse drugs in the same way.

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Arden Smith

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4y ago

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Can you use a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist Diploma to get a job as a drug and alcohol counselor?

In many jurisdictions one can.


How is drinking alcohol harmful?

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Alcohol is considered a drug because?

it alters the central nervous system, impairs judgment and coordination, and can lead to addiction. Alcohol also acts on the brain's reward system, creating a sense of euphoria and reinforcing its use. These effects classify alcohol as a drug that can have harmful consequences on a person's health and well-being.


What kills more brain cell?

smoking, doing drugs, and drinking alcahola.


What drug do people use most?

Alcohol, by a huge margin.


What are two offenses that might relate to alcohol and drug use?

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is an offense that relates to alcohol and drug use, as it is illegal to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Public intoxication is another offense that relates to alcohol and drug use, where an individual is arrested for being visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in a public place.


What are the sypmtoms of brain damage due to alcohol or drug use?

Symptoms of brain damage due to alcohol or drug use can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, impaired decision-making, slow reaction times, and changes in mood or behavior. Severe cases may result in cognitive decline, motor impairment, and overall decline in mental and physical health.


Is it true that the relationship between drug and alcohol use and crime is complex and lacks a cohesive explanation?

Yes, the relationship between drug and alcohol use and crime is complex, and thus the problem lacks a cohesive explanation. There are many factors involved, but no one factor completely explains the relationship between drug/alcohol use and crime.


How you stop opium use?

call a drug and alcohol abuse hotline


In terms of alcohol and drug use what is craving?

Liking something to much


Why is alcohol and drug abuse considered a individual problem?

Alcohol and drug abuse are individual problems (that is, are caused by individuals) because it is the individual who chooses to use or to abuse these substances.


Teenage drug and alcohol use in 1861?

Teenagers consumed more alcohol and drugs in 1861 than they do today.