The Effect of Recreational Drugs on the CNS Flashcards
Recreational drugs
Stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens and opiods
What does cocaine do to your neurons
Blocks reuptake of dopamine
Binds dopamine transporter molecules on terminal buttons of presynaptic neuron
What happens to the synapse as a result of cocaine
Synapse is flooded with surplus quantities of dopamine
All available for binding with postsynaptic receptors
Long term effects of cocaine usage
Dopamine receptors are downregulated
Explains withdrawal symptoms as craving drug as higher doses are needed to get same effects
How does heroin work and where it occurs
Morphine binds with specific opioid receptor at synapse in cerebral cortex, limbic system and hypothalamus
Is Heroin agonist or antagonist
Agonist because it mimics action of another natural biochemical
Naloxone is an antagonist that blocks opiate receptors
Long term effects of heroin
Downregulation
Opioid receptors on postsynaptic neurons constantly bind with morphine molecules
Desensitising them to the effects of the drug
