drugs
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What effects do recreational drugs have
-cognitive,emotional and behavioural changes
How do recreational drugs go about making their changes
They change what happens at synaptic transmission -exact affect depends on which synapses it affects and where it occurs in the brain
how do recreational drugs change how NT operate
inc/dec level of them in the synaptic cleft causing inhibitory or excitatory effect
How does cocaine affect the nervous system
-acts as a powerful stimulant by blocking the reuptake of dopamine at synapses
Where does the dopamine build up and what affect does it have (cocaine)
-builds up in synaptic cleft which intensifys its affect on DSN -the inc dopamine levels overstimulate reward pathway leading to euphoric high
What brain structures does cosine affect
-mesolimbic dopamine system -reward system -pre frontal cortex -amygdala
How does cocaine affect the amygdala
Stimulates it which heighten emotional reactions leading to anxiety and paranoia
How does cocaine affect the pre frontal cortex
Imparts judgment and inc impulsiveness
What does overstimulation of the reward pathway lead to
Feelings of euphoric highs
What does the mesolimbic dopamine system include and what is it important for
-includes the nucleus accumbens and the VTA -crucial for reward motivation and pleasure
What are some cognitive affects of cocaine
1)blocking the reuptake of NT leads to a flood of signals which enhances focus,alertness and energy levels 2)poor decision making 3)lack of self control 4)poor memory and bad concentration 5)intense cravings
What are some emotional effects of using cocaine
1)euphoria,confidence and exhilaration 2)heightened emotional intensity 3)socially engaged and more energy 4)anxiety,irritable,emotional sensitivity
What are some effects of high dosages and long term use of cocaine?
1)paranoia 2)agitation 3)aggression 4) emotional disregulation eg panic attacks
What happens when cocaine wears off
Emotional crash due to depletion of dopamine leading to feelings of depression anxiety and emotional numbness
What are some long term affects of using cocaine?
1)impairs brains ability to naturally regulate mood and emotions 2)damages nervous system 3)dopamine receptor downregulation due to overstimulation means less pleasure in activities that they used to enjoy
How does alcohol affect the CNS
-depressant which affects synaptic transmission by enhancing inhibitory effects of the NT GABA as well as reducing the excitatory effects of GLUTMATE
How does alcohol works
1)makes GABA receptors more sensitive to DSN so it becomes more responsive to an inc in GABA 2)GABA has an inhibitory affect and so it slows down communication between neurons and diff brain areas 3)alcohol reduces GLUTMATE activity by blocking receptors for it without activating them
What brain structures does alcohol effect
1)PFC 2)cerebellum 3)hippocampus
How does alcohol affect the PFC
Poor judgment and risky behaviour
How does alcohol affect the cerebellum
Clumsiness and loss of motor control=no balance
How does alcohol affect the hippocampus
Responsible for memory formation so causes blackouts and memory lapses
What are some emotional affects of alcohol
1)short term emotional highs 2)heightens emotional instability 3)mood swings and exaggerated emotional responses 4)relaxing and calming affect
What are the long term affects of alcohol usage?
1)damages CNS 2)memory problems 3)damage to cerbellum=long term problems with Co-ordination and balance 4)tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
What is a psychoactive drug
Substance that changes the functioning of the brain causing changes in thinking,feeling and behaviour