1. Drugs and The Nervous System

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

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

10. The End