Brain Structures
This part of the brain controls decision making and impulse control.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This neurotransmitter is linked to pleasure and addiction.
What is dopamine?
This process "cleans up" neurotransmitters between neurons.
What is reuptake?
Alcohol affects this part of the brain, leading to balance issues.
What is the cerebellum?
These medications take time to work and treat mood disorders.
What are antidepressants?
This structure is known as the brain's "reward center."
What is the nucleus accumbens?
Often called the “calming” neurotransmitter, enhanced by alcohol.
What is GABA?
Cocaine causes a high by blocking the reuptake of this chemical.
What is dopamine?
Long-term stimulant use damages these receptors, reducing pleasure.
What are dopamine receptors?
This mood stabilizer is commonly used for bipolar disorder.
What is lithium?
This area controls memory formation and is impaired by alcohol and cannabis.
What is the hippocampus?
This neurotransmitter is involved in focus and the fight-or-flight response.
What is norepinephrine?
This class of medication blocks serotonin reuptake to treat depression.
What are SSRIs?
This mental disorder can result from long-term alcohol-related thiamine deficiency.
What is Korsakoff’s Syndrome?
These meds block serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
What are SNRIs?
What is the brainstem?
THC mimics this naturally occurring chemical known as the “bliss molecule.”
What is anandamide?
Stimulants increase this neurotransmitter to cause heightened energy.
What is norepinephrine (or dopamine)?
This anesthetic drug causes dissociation and hallucinations.
What is ketamine?
These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine—used for ADHD and depression.
What are NDRIs?
This brain part regulates fear and aggression.
What is the amygdala?
This neurotransmitter helps with movement and memory; nicotine mimics it.
What is acetylcholine?
These types of drugs mimic endorphins and can cause respiratory depression.
What are opioids?
This long-term marijuana effect impacts young people’s ability to learn and remember.
What is impaired memory and learning?
True or False: The brain can never heal after drug use.
What is false? (Recovery is possible!)