Drugs effect on the brain Flashcards
A neurone is
A nerve fibre which carries electrical signals (usually in the brain)
A neurotransmitter is
A chemical carried in the blood which spreads messages around the body
What is a synapse?
The end of one neurone and the beginning of another which has a gap and information must pass across
What is a vesicle?
A ‘bubble’ which is full of neurostransmitters that it can release into the synaptic gap
What is a synaptic gap?
The space between two neurones which neurotransmitters must drift through
What is a receptor?
An area on the second neurone which neurotransmitters bind to and create a new impulse
What is the role of Dopamine?
It creates a sense of reward or enjoyment
What is the effect of illicit drugs on neurotransmitters
They can either increase or decrease the neurotransmitters in the synapse
What is the effect on dopamine and the impact that has?
It increases the amount causing a feeling of euphoria
What is the effect on GABA and the impact that has?
GABA is increased by alcohol and decreases activity in areas of the brain
What did Olds and Milner find?
Rats with electrodes in certain areas of the brains are causes euphoria- stimulating these areas become addictive
What happens over time?
People build up a tolerance as receptors desensitise so more neurotransmitter is needed to activate them
What is withdrawal?
You go Your dopamine decreases rapidly and it makes you unhappy, you have physiological symptoms like the shakes
How does Cocaine work?
It blocks the reuptake of dopamine leading to more in the synapse
How does Heroin work?
It binds to Opioid receptors in the brain which leads to an increase in Dopamine
