Understanding How Drugs Impact the Brain

Introduction

Nearly everyone will take some form of medicine in their lifetime.
Many lack understanding of how these substances affect physical and mental states.
Drugs primarily impact the brain by altering cell communication.

Administration Methods:
- Oral intake is the slowest; requires absorption by the digestive system.
- Inhalation is faster; drugs reach the bloodstream quickly.
- Intravenous injection is quickest; delivers chemicals directly into blood.
Blood-Brain Barrier:
- Protects the brain by separating it from the bloodstream.
- Drugs must have specific chemical properties to cross this barrier.

Neurons and Synapses:
- Neurons: brain cells with dendrites and axons.
- Synapses: structures allowing electrochemical signal exchange between neurons.
Neurotransmitters:
- Chemicals transmitting signals across synapses.
- Work by either inhibiting or exciting neurons.
- Can be reabsorbed or degraded after transmission.
Drug Effectiveness:
- Drugs manipulate synaptic transmissions to increase or decrease neurotransmitter spread.
- Example: SSRIs increase serotonin by stopping reabsorption, affecting mood.

Painkillers (e.g., Morphine):
- Increase serotonin and noradrenaline, affecting energy and pain perception.
Tranquilizers:
- Increase GABA production, reducing neural activity and inducing relaxation.

Crystal Meth:
- Releases dopamine, affecting reward perception and pleasure.
- Activates noradrenaline receptors, triggering fight or flight response.
Cocaine:
- Blocks dopamine and serotonin reuptake, increasing euphoria and energy.
Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, DMT):
- Block serotonin release, affecting mood, perception, and behavior regulation.

Long-term Impact:
- Potential for drugs to permanently alter neural networks.
- Affects thinking, decision making, learning, and memory.
Ongoing Research:
- Extensive study required for understanding drug effects.
- Knowledge expansion can lead to new medical treatments.