Effects of Drugs

Definition of “Drug”


A substance, natural or artificial, that alters the function of the body.


Types of Drugs

2) Illegal drugs (ex. Cocaine, heroin)

3) Common substances (ex. Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol)

1) Prescription drugs (ex. antibiotics)

The ways drugs can affect the nervous system

  1. A drug can cause an increase in the amount of a neurotransmitter that is released into a synapse.

  1. A drug can block a receptor site on a dendrite, preventing a neurotransmitter from binding.

  1. A drug can prevent a neurotransmitter from leaving a synapse.

  1. Cause something to imitate a neurotransmitter.

Examples

1) Alcohol
2) Caffeine
3) Prescription Drugs
4) Over-the-Counter Drugs
5) Tobacco

Classes of Commonly Abused Drugs

Stimulants

Depressants


Drugs that increase alertness and physical activity

Types

1) Nicotine
Increases the amount of dopamine released into a synapse. Constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure and causing the heart to work harder.

2) Caffeine

  • Works by binding to adenosine receptors on neurons in the brain
  • Temporarily raises epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the body.

Drugs that tend to slow down the central nervous system

Types

1) Alcohol

  • Effect at least four different neurotransmitters.
  • Direct Effects: Relaxation, impaired judgement, coordination and sense of time.
  • Long term effects: Reduction in brain mass, liver damage, stomach/intestinal ulcers.

2) Inhalants

  • Chemical fumes that have an influence on the nervous system
  • Effects:
    Intoxication, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, hearing loss, vision problems, peripheral nerve damage, brain damage and finally, death.

3) Illegal Drugs
Examples: amphetamine and cocaine
increase dopamine secretion and preventing reabsorption of amphetamine in the synapse and synaptic cleft
Cocaine: disturbance in heart rhythm, heart attack, chest pain, respiratory failure, stroke, seizures, headaches, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Amphetamine: raid heart rate, increased blood pressure, stroke, elevated body temperature or hyperthermia, and convulsions.

Tala Aljebreen