Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco Unit Command center of the body Controls everything you do Weight – about 3 pounds.
Post on 28-Dec-2015
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Drugs and the Brain Interrupt how it works Change how the brain performs Changes can lead to compulsive drug
use (aka = addiction)
Drug Abuse and the Brain Affects 3 primary areas:
Brain Stem (breathing, circulation, digestion, muscle movement)
Limbic system (emotional responses, pleasure feelings)
Cerebral cortex (decision-making, senses; ¾ of our entire brain)
How Does the Brain Communicate?
Communication network – billions of nerve cells interconnected1. Neurons (nerve cells that send and
receive messages)2. Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers
that help to send messages)3. Receptors (allow neurotransmitters to
send messages correctly)4. Transporters (recycle transmitters and
shut off connection between neurons)
To send a message, a brain cell releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) into the space separating two cells, called the synapse. The neurotransmitter crosses the synapse and attaches to proteins (receptors) on the receiving brain cell. This causes changes in the receiving brain cell, and the message is delivered.
What Do Drugs Do to the Brain?
Chemicals – tap into communication system and interfere with nerve cells
Different drugs work differently
All drugs of abuse (nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, narcotics, etc.) affect the brain’s “reward” circuit – part of limbic system
What Do Drugs Do to the Brain?
Normal reward circuit Responds to pleasurable experiences Neurotransmitter = dopamine
Drugs hijack this system Causes unusual amounts of dopamine to
flood the system Can last longer when compared to what
happens through a natural/normal reward stimulates dopamine
Flood of dopamine = “high” or euphoria with drug abuse
How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?
Think about how you feel when something good happens…
Limbic system at work Natural pleasures in lives are
necessary for survival Limbic system drives you to seek out
those things
How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?
1st time drug user Unnaturally intense feelings of pleasure Reward circuit activated – dopamine
release
Brain starts changing Neurons sense more than enough
dopamine Reduce number of dopamine receptors or
make less dopamine Neurons die off from toxicity of drugs
How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?
Results Dopamine’s ability to cause pleasure is
severely weakened Person feels flat, lifeless, depressed Person needs drugs now just to bring
dopamine levels up to normal Large amounts of drug needed to create
dopamine flood or “high” Effect known as “tolerance”
How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?
Brain changes Drive person to seek out and use drugs
compulsively, despite negative consequences
AKA = Addiction
How Many Times Does It Take to Become Addicted?
Can’t predict Factors that affect addiction:
Genetic makeup Environment
Is Drug Addiction Voluntary? Starts out as voluntary As drug use continues, it goes from
voluntary use to compulsive use Why?
Changes in how the brain functions Impairs ability to think clearly, feel okay
without drugs, and to control your behaviors
Are There Effective Treatment Methods?
Addiction is treatable, but often a chronic disease
People can learn to manage their disease Medications Behavior-based therapies Vary from person to person
Long-term treatment is often needed Setbacks are likely
How Do I Know if Someone Has a Drug Problem?
Questions to assess whether or not a person has a drug problem:
1. Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone (including yourself) who had been using alcohol or drugs?
2. Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax, to feel better about yourself, or to fit in?
3. Do you ever use alcohol or drugs when you are alone?
4. Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
5. Do family or friends ever tell you to cut down on your use of alcohol or drugs?
6. Have you ever gotten into trouble while you were using alcohol or drugs?
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