Effect of recreational drugs Flashcards
What are recreational drugs?
Drugs are biochemicals that have specific effects on the functioning of the body’s system.Drugs may be used for psychological purposes or psychological purposes. Drugs for psychological treatments are called “psychoative” and affect transmission in the Central Nervous System (CNS), altering an individual’s mental processes. A distinction is made between using such drugs for medical purposes and using drugs for enjoyment or leisure purposes.
What do recreational drugs include?
Simulants, sedatives, hallucinogens and opiods.
What type of drug is cocaine?
Stimulant
Which neurotransmitter does cocaine impact the most?
Dopamine
Do all recreational drugs increase dopamine release directly or indirectly?
Both- surprise shawtyyyyyy
What does the “reward centre” activate?
A sense of pleasure
What does cocaine block?
Blocks the reuptake of dopamine by binding with dopamine transporter molecules
What are the roles of dopamine transporter molecules?
These are responsible for recycling dopamine back into the neuron that produced it.
What does the surplus quantities of dopamine cause?
Euphoric high
What are the long term effects of cocaine?
After repeated use of cocaine, dopamine receptors become downregulated. That is, fewer receptors are active- some are damaged and shut down and the quantity of dopamine produced declines. This explains withdrawal, craving for the drug and the higher doses needed to get the same effect (tolerance).
What affect does heroin have on the CNS?
A depressent effect
What affect does heroin have on neurotransmitters?
Slows down the CNS activity including the activity of neurons involved in pain
Why are there receptors for heroin/morphine?
The CNS has its own opiod system.
What are the bodies natural painkillers?
Endorphins and enkephalins
What are the 2 types of drugs?
Antagonist and agonist
