1. Physiology of some additive drugs
Cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and opiates influence the neurotransmitter dopamine.

2. Neurotransmitter: dopamine
Dopamine - a neurotransmitter associated with several functions, including muscle control and feelings of reward
Schizophrenia, manic depression are associated with too much dopamine. Antipsychotic drugs block dopamine receptors.
reward pathways

3. Dopamine and reward Neurons here use dopamine
To signal the pleasure center
here

4. Neurotransmitter: dopamine
Cocaine and methamphetamines prevent reuptake of dopamine.

5. Neurotransmitter: serotonin
Neurons using serotonin are associated with mood, sleep, & appetite
Antidepressants often enhance levels of serotonin (Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil)

6. Three main neurotransmitters of mood
All are monoamines

7. Neurotransmitter: serotonin
Ecstasy temporarily increases serotonin, but body makes less serotonin in response
ecstasy blocking reuptake of serotonin

9. How do drugs effect the body specifically psychoactives?
Psychoactive drugs: effect perception, mood, thinking
Ex: Mescaline (peyote) psilocybin (mushrooms), LSD bind to serotonin receptors
Studies differ in whether activity increases or decreases in prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, areas involved w/ emotional regulation, cognitive processing
It’s possible that the brain’s filtering ability for perceptions is inhibited.

10. Cannabis effects
THC binds to cannabinoid (CB) receptors, mimicking endocannabinoids (from body)
(anadaminde, arachidonate lipids)
CB receptors are in pleasure pathway (VTA), motor coordination (cerebellum) and memory (hippocampus) areas
Signaling bw neurons during learning is disrupted (GABA neurons w CB1 receptors)