Drugs and the brain WB, JM, EW, BB

Hallucinogens!

Hallucinogenic short term effects Mood Swings hallucinations (that is, stationary objects appear to be moving) Heightened, and distorted senses Distortion of depth and time perception psychological or emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, dizziness, disorientation and paranoia A sensation of “crossing over”, where users have a sensation of hearing colors and seeing sounds. “Crossing over” is usually associated with bad trips where users fear a loss of control and have fears of death and despair.

Long Term Effects A growing tolerance to the drug which promotes higher dosage over time. short-lived, intense re-experiences of part of a previous trip which can occur days or even months after the last dose has been taken, leading to disorientation, anxiety and distress. Prolonged anxiety and depression.

Why? What hallucinogenic drugs do to cause these effects are hazy, but studies lead to the conclusion that it mainly effect two regions: The cerebral cortex and the locus ceruleus. The cerebral cortex controls perception and mood, while the locus ceruleus revieves sensory signals from the body, explaining the mood swings (cerebral cortex) and hallucinations (locus ceruleus).

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder The “flash back” effects of LSD remains a mystery still. The experience is basically a parallel of the original trip, and can occur even if the user has only used LSD once. It may include persisting sensory distortion, such as false motion, light flashes, and trails on moving objects.

THC

Effects of THC on the Nervous System Here’s the effects: Heres why: THC acts on the Endocannababnoid receptors as an inhibitor. In effect this inhibits the formation of cyclic AMP which blocks calcium flow and disrupts the production of an action potential. Cyclic AMP and calcium regulate neurotransmitters such as Dopamine and Acetylcholine. The slowing of these transmitters causes the mellowing effects that Marijuana smokers feel. Reduced pain Lower body temp Enhanced appetite Anti-convulsant Anti-inflammatory Bronchodilatory

Increased appetite and body temperature: CB1(endocannabinoids) receptors are found in the thalamus, hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum. The inhibitory effects in the cerebellum cause the decreased motor functions during a high. It also effects the receptors of the thalamus and hypothalamus which are thermoregulatory systems of the body and also play a role in appetite.

Ruffies

Effects of Rophynol Ruffies is a benzodiazepine (such as Valium, Halcyon, Xanax). Ruffies are about 10 times more potent than Valium. The benzodiazepines influence behavior by interacting with receptors on neurons in the brain that use the neurotransmitter called GABA. When GABA binds to receptors, it usually inhibits a neuron and acts to reduce neuronal activity. When benzodiazepines attach to GABA receptors, they increase GABA binding to other receptors. In this way, benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA and reduce brain activity.

Cocaine

Effects When cocaine is used it interferes with the reabsorption of dopamine producing a euphoric effect. The drug traps an excess amount of dopamine in the brain, causing an elevated sense of well being. Dopamine has many functions in the brain, including important roles in behavior and cognition, voluntary movement, motivation and reward, sleep, mood, attention, and learning Dopamine is produced in several areas of the brain, including the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area, both areas of which are located in the mid brain.

SOURCES http://faculty.washington.edu http://serendip.brynmawr.edu http://alcoholism.about.com