Researched by: Gloria Luu
Written by: Ritika
Edited by: Yushu
What really goes on in the brain while drugs are in use? The overall effects of drugs can range from emotional to social to physical. Specifically in the brain, we can dive in to see how addiction occurs and how cells and receptors in the brain respond to frequent drug consumption.
ADDICTION
There are many different forms of addiction that can be derived from not just drug use. These can include alcohol or nicotine or even activities like gambling. How these addictions are formed through a reward system in the brain. Substances and addictive activities can cause pleasure circuits to go off in the brain. The brain can be overwhelmed with these circuits to the point of permanent addiction. This is due to substances delivering an increased amount of dopamine to the brain. The brain will be aware of the sensations of happiness and joy associated with dopamine and will relate it back to those addictive substances. Over time, the brain can build a tolerance to the dopamine. This will lead to an increased use of the substance to feel that certain “high” again and fulfill the user’s cravings.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS
There are many different types of neurotransmitters that are associated with various forms of drug use. These are primarily dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and norepinephrine. The level of these transmitters in the brain and throughout the body can be increased due to the use of drugs. Dopamine increases pleasure, motivation, and focus while also regulating emotions. Serotonin, additionally, regulates the moods and emotions of an individual. GABA works to lower feelings of anxiousness and slows down the central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Lastly, norepinephrine increases focus, attention, and energy. It works to increase the speed of the central nervous system.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Stimulating drugs may cause physical reactions in an individual’s body such as increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, decreased blood flow, and an increased level of blood sugar. Stimulating drugs can be drugs that are accessed illicitly like cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall, or Ritalin. In high levels of consumption, more serious effects can occur such as high body temperature, irregular heartbeat, epilepsy, and heart failure. Throughout a long period of usage, a person may experience episodes of depression, anxiousness, psychosis, or paranoia.
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