Recreational drugs: Mode of Action

Question 2

What does Herion do?

Answer 2

• opiod receptors are for the pain and reward pathway
• heroin changes to morphine and becomes an agonist
• by binding the the opiod receptors to **micmic endorphin **
• the opiod recectors also inhibit GABA
• GABA inhibits/restrainst dopamine
• leading to higher levels of dopamine
• leading to euphoria and pain relief

Question 3

What is an angonist?

Answer 3

• it binds to a receptor and micmics the neurotransmitter
• this will increase the effect of the pathway

Question 4

An

What is an antagonist?

Answer 4

• it inhibits the neurotransmitter or angonist by binding to their receptors
• it stops the pathway/activation

Question 5

What does nicotine do?

Answer 5

• nicotine binds and mimics the neurotransmitter to the acetylcoline receptors
• when it binds, it leads to other activation such as dopamine
• dopamine increases and the reward pathway is activated which is to do with pleasure
• it also inhibits the enzyme which is responsible for breaking down dopamine
• this increases dopmaine levels as they are not breaking down as fast
• will become more alert, quicker reaction and inhibit appetite

Question 6

What does alcohol do?

Answer 6

-Alcohol gives a depressent effect giving a slowing effect and you become more relaxed and less anxious
- it increases GABA with its calming functions due to inhibiting exitary functions
- Alchohol decreses noradrenaline which is the fight or flight reponse and have attention and alertness functions
- decrease in noradrenaline will make poeple sluggish, slow response, less anxious and more relaxed
- Alochol reduces serotonin levels and contributing to happiness and good mood
- this leads to lower mood and low levels of serotonin = **depression **
- you have poor decisions such as risk