Understanding How Drugs Affect the Brain

Introduction

• Most people will use some form of medication in their lifetime.
• Drugs impact our physical feelings, thoughts, and behaviors by altering brain cell communication.

Drug Intake Methods

• Oral: Slowest, absorbed via digestive system.
• Inhalation: Faster absorption into bloodstream.
• Injection: Fastest, directly into the blood.

Blood-Brain Barrier

• Drugs must cross this barrier to affect the brain.
• Requires specific chemical compositions to "unlock" the barrier.

Effects on Brain Function

• Drugs target neurons and synapses in the brain.
• Neurons: Brain cells with nucleus, dendrites, axon.
• Synapses: Allow electrochemical signal exchange via neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter Functions

• Play roles in behavior, emotion, cognition.
• Function by either inhibiting or exciting neurons.
• Excess neurotransmitters are degraded or reabsorbed.

Drug Mechanism

• Drugs manipulate synaptic transmissions, altering neurotransmitter spread.

Examples of Drug Effects

• Antidepressants (SSRIs): Inhibit serotonin reabsorption, increasing mood modulation.
• Painkillers (Morphine): Elevate serotonin and noradrenaline, affecting energy, alertness, pleasure, and pain perception.
• Tranquilizers: Increase GABA, reducing neural activity -> sedation.

Impact of Illicit Drugs

• Crystal Meth/Amphetamine: Prolonged dopamine release, activates noradrenaline -> increased heart rate, fight-or-flight response.
• Cocaine: Blocks dopamine and serotonin reuptake -> increased energy, euphoria, appetite suppression.
• Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline, DMT): Blocks serotonin release, affects perception and behavior regulation.

Risks and Considerations

• Drugs can permanently alter brain chemistry with repeated use.
• Potential impact on decision-making, learning, memory.
• Controlled due to powerful and sometimes harmful effects.

Conclusion

• Much is still unknown about the effects of drugs.
• Ongoing research aims to turn knowledge into effective treatments.
• Growing understanding could lead to solutions for complex medical issues.