Drugs and The Nervous System

Stimulants Drug Stimulants Any substance that alters the bodies structure or function Stimulants Increase the actions regulated by the nervous system Amphetamines, caffeine, nicotine

Depressants Depressants Alcohol, Barbiturates, GHB, Marijuana Decrease the rate of functions regulated by the brain Slow HR, Blood pressure, relax muscles Alcohol, Barbiturates, GHB, Marijuana

Opiates Opiates Used as pain killers Heroine, morphine, Codeine Mimic natural chemicals in the brain which normally overcome sensation of pain Used as pain killers Heroine, morphine, Codeine

Neurotransmitters Stopping release of neurotransmitters Increase the release of neurotransmitters Cause release of dopamine Mimic endorphins

Addiction Addiction Agonists Uncontrollable dependence on a drug drugs bind to dopamine receptors in place of dopamine and directly stimulate those receptors

Addiction (continued) antagonists are drugs that bind but don't stimulate dopamine receptors. Antagonists can prevent or reverse the actions of dopamine by keeping dopamine from attaching to receptors

Overstimulation monoamine oxidase Tolerance usually breaks down dopamine Tolerance Desensitization Overstimulation decreases the number of receptors Neurons can become sensitized or desensitized to dopamine

The End