Drugs of the mind

natural or synthetic molecules that alter communication between neurons

Progressive decrease in effectiveness of a drug • body increases enzymes that remove that drug • decrease of receptors • *Body does this to maintain homeostasis

Drug is required by user for their physical or psychological well being (drug is now required for homeostasis) *Nervous system can’t produce normal response b/c of physical changes which causes withdrawal

cocaine amphetamine nicotine

feelings of : Pleasure, confidence, alertness • Increases dopamine by blocking reuptake • increases norepinephrine which stimulates fight or flight Short-lived effect (90 min max) then you feel - anxiety -depression -fatigue Produces cravings for more cocaine

CARDIOVASCULAR : Increases hart rate, blood pressure, and interferes with nerves that regulate heartbeat CAN CAUSE: heart attack or stroke RESPIRATORY: when u come down off cocaine activity in respiration centers of the brain become depressed CAN CAUSE: respiratory failure

Synthetic stimulants that resemble : Dopamine Norepinephrine effects can last hours controlled doses (prescribe) can increase aletness , concentration, and relive fatigue

Common street form of amphetamine Ingested as pills, crushed then snorted, smoked to injected Meth induces euphoria, feelings of high self esteem, increase libido, insomnia, mania high-doses : anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations decreases receptors on the post-synaptic neuron

Long-term effects to nervous system Impairment to memory and emotional centers of brain

Visual, auditory, or other hallucinations ex. ecstasy effects: -serotonin (sense of feel-being) and -Acetylcholine (promotes release of norepinephrine - affects serotonin and dopamine)

stimulant • increased heart rate and blood pressure • cause hyperthermia (increased body temp - heat stroke) • dehydration (ions become diluted) **ecstasy pills often contain other drugs

Affect opioid receptors -produces morphine-like effects - pain relief variety of drugs: Codeine, oxycodone ,hydrocodone ,Vicodin, Percocet, morphine, heroin easily lead to addiction, dependency = withdrawal - respiratory distress

type of opiate EXTREMELY POTENT often mixed with heroin

Depresses (slows down) activity of ALL neurons excitatory neurons run amuck at first release from inhibitory controls tend to reduce anxiety

Ethanol is the alcohol in every ‘alcoholic’ drink very small molecule both lipid and water soluble meaning It readily diffuses into cells • absorption begins in the stomach (20%) • food slows absorption (dilutes )

0.5 ounce of alcohol

liver breaks down alcohol enzymes breakdown begins in stomach (alcohol degydrogenases ) -more in men than women

weight, sex, race

1 drink per day appears to decrease cardiovascular disease • liver disease (fat accumulation in liver cells. liver cells swell and burst – scar tissue forms • cardiovascular damage • nervous system problems • fetal alcohol syndrome (moves across placenta causes birth defects) depresses activity of all neurons • neurons in higher thinking centers effected first • consciousness and breathing affected -