Brain Chemistry Basics
This neurotransmitter is most associated with the brain’s reward system and is often overstimulated by drugs like cocaine and meth.
What is dopamine?
This stimulant, often found in both legal and illegal forms, increases alertness by raising levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
What is amphetamine?
This commonly abused opioid can cause the brain to stop producing its natural painkillers.
What is heroin?
This psychedelic compound, found in “magic mushrooms,” affects serotonin receptors in the brain.
What is psilocybin?
Prolonged drug abuse can lead to this condition involving compulsive drug seeking despite harm.
What is addiction?
This neurotransmitter is heavily impacted by MDMA, contributing to increased mood and empathy.
What is serotonin?
This drug causes a rush of dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing energy and alertness, but can cause paranoia and aggression at high doses.
What is methamphetamine?
This brain structure, responsible for breathing and heart rate, can shut down during an opioid overdose.
What is the brainstem?
LSD primarily impacts this receptor type, leading to visual distortions and altered perception.
What are serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors?
Teen drug use is especially risky because this brain area, responsible for judgment, isn't fully developed.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter affected by this class of drugs, causing sedation and slowed brain activity.
What are depressants?
Chronic use of stimulants can lead to this mental health condition characterized by delusions and hallucinations.
What is stimulant-induced psychosis?
Benzodiazepines increase this neurotransmitter’s effect, leading to relaxation and drowsiness.
What is GABA?
PCP and ketamine are known as these types of drugs, which distort perception and can cause detachment from reality.
What are dissociatives?
Chronic alcohol or inhalant abuse can cause widespread damage to this fatty substance that insulates brain cells.
What is myelin?
Long-term drug use can reduce this brain process, which is essential for learning and forming new memories.
What is neuroplasticity?
MDMA can damage these neurons, leading to long-term mood and memory issues.
What are serotonin neurons?
Long-term opioid use can shrink this brain structure, which is important for memory.
What is the hippocampus?
This dissociative drug, originally used as an anesthetic, can cause hallucinations and a feeling of being disconnected from the body.
What is ketamine?
Long-term use of stimulants like methamphetamine can damage this brain chemical transporter, making it harder to feel pleasure naturally.
What is the dopamine transporter?
This brain region, key in decision-making and impulse control, is often impaired by chronic drug abuse.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Stimulant drugs can lead to this physical brain change, reducing the volume of gray matter over time.
What is brain atrophy?
This life-saving drug can reverse an opioid overdose by quickly blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
What is naloxone?
Chronic use of hallucinogens can result in this condition, where users experience flashbacks and visual disturbances.
What is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)? (Which can also occur in people after 1 dose of a hallucinogen.)
Prolonged drug abuse can weaken this part of the brain that helps control emotions and is linked to anxiety and fear responses.
What is the amygdala?