Effects of Drugs on the Nervous System
Effects of Drugs on the Nervous System
- The nervous system is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the body and is affected by various types of drugs.
- Drugs act by either mimicking or inhibiting the action of neurotransmitters, leading to altered neuronal communication.
Neuronal Communication and Drugs
- Neurons communicate via synapses using chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
- Drugs can both mimic neurotransmitters or block their reuptake, leading to an increase or decrease in their effects.
Stimulant Drugs
- Stimulant drugs like Amphetamines and Cocaine increase alertness, attention, and energy by enhancing the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
- Cocaine, for example, prevents the reuptake of dopamine leading to prolonged synaptic activity of these neurotransmitters.
Depressant Drugs
- Depressant drugs, such as Alcohol and Benzodiazepines, decrease the body’s functionalities and neuronal activity.
- For instance, alcohol increases the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA causing sedation, while reducing the excitatory effects of the neurotransmitter glutamate.
Opiates
- Opiates such as Heroin and Morphine are strong analgesics that reduce pain perception by binding to opiate receptors, mimicking the action of endorphins
Hallucinogenic Drugs
- Hallucinogenic drugs like LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and Psilocybin affect perceptions, thoughts, and feelings, leading to hallucinations.
- These drugs act by stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered sensory perception.
Long-term Impacts of Drug Use
- Prolonged drug use can lead to tolerance, requiring increased amounts to achieve the same effect.
- Long-term use can also lead to drug dependence and addiction, where individuals are unable to stop consuming the drug despite its harmful effects.
Understanding these mechanisms is essential for understanding the effects of drugs on neural communication and behaviour.