2.8 2013 clrm brain studies

Drugs and the Brain

Whiskey bottles, and brand new carsOak tree you're in my wayThere's too much coke and too much smokeLook what's going on inside youOoooh that smellCan't you smell that smellOoooh that smellThe smell of death surrounds you

Angel of darkness is upon youStuck a needle in your armSo take another toke, have a blow for your noseOne more drink fool, will drown youOoooh that smellCan't you smell that smellOoooh that smellThe smell of death surrounds youNow they call you Prince CharmingCan't speak a word when you're full of 'ludesSay you'll be all right come tomorrowBut tomorrow might not be here for you

Ooooh that smellCan't you smell that smellOoooh that smellThe smell of death surrounds youHey, you're a fool youStick them needles in your armI know I been there before

One little problem that confronts youGot a monkey on your backJust one more fix, Lord might do the trickOne hell of a price for you to get your kicksOoooh that smellCan't you smell that smellOoooh that smellThe smell of death surrounds youOoooh that smellCan't you smell that smellOoooh that smellThe smell of death surrounds you

Escape.Because of Stress. (to help relax)To reduce pain both physical and emotional (to feel better.)Curiosity.Recreation- excitement-energy.To be social/lose inhibitions/fit in.Addiction.

they work! If they didn’t …they do in fact create at least a temporary change in how we feel and act.

Brain Basics: The brain consists of many different types of cells; the cells involved in storing and processing information are called neurons.

Your body and brain have over 100 billion neurons that communicate with each other.

Neurons communicate with each other throughout the brain and body by both electrical signals through the neuron and chemical messages between them. Neurons look a lot like trees and their form fits their function.Think about what trees do over their life, they grow new branches and roots. So do neurons.

Over time they grow to form networks of communications through their branches.

These networks create our perceptions, thoughts, and memories.Consider the brain then as a forest of specialized cells (neurons) with pathways (connections) through it that take us to different experiences.

Some parts of the brain send or receive messages from the body. (sensory and motor neurons)Some parts of the brain send and receive messages to other parts of the brain. Some parts of the brain are analytical while others create our moods and emotions.All of these connections require that the brain use chemical signals between the various neurons.

The chemical messages are called neurotransmitters.

The many types of neurotransmitters work on a lock and key model.

Serotonin: a calming, relaxing, focusing neurotransmitter that is one of the most common in the brain.

Dopamine: A reward neurotransmitter that causes parts of the brain to fire creating a sensation of excitability, energy, power.

Norepinephrine: (a chemical in adrenaline) causing hyper-vigilance and excitability.

Substance P: signals pain in the brain.Endorphins: The body’s natural pain killers.

#1 The drug can chemically resemble and work like the actual neurotransmitter.#2 The drug can stimulate neurons to release their neurotransmitters.#3 The drug can prevent the reuptake of neurotransmitters by the signaling neuron.

This is a common drug used at raves. It works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, causing an increase in the amount of serotonin to signal other neurons in the brain to fire, changing their perceptions.The individual may then experience increased energy, euphoria, and the suppression of certain inhibitions in relating to other people. In other words, they get high.

So… if drugs and alcohol work like the actual neurotransmitters or work with the brain, why then can they be a bad choice for us?

Illegal-addictive-change perception to the point of intoxication causing people to make poor decisions-benefit is usually temporary-masks real issues we need to address-many have serious side effects both physical and emotional.

It should also be noted that drugs also can cause serious imbalance in neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

When the brain chemistry becomes out of balance this can lead to mental/emotional disease and other brain disorders. These

changes can become long lasting.

Prescription drugs to individuals suffering from a physical or mental disorder. They are controlled, monitored and legal. Many carry with them side effects. Despite side effects, the benefits can outweigh the detriments of the drug.

If drugs and alcohol work by imitating, or releasing more neurotransmitters; doesn’t that mean the brain must already have the ability to achieve feelings of relaxation, well being, energy and excitability on its own?

Our brain has the potential to reward itself.This is how we are often motivated to do things that require effort.Many people already take advantage of this on some level. You can too!

Natural High

Created by your own brain chemistry without the use of drugs or alcohol.Work by the release of neurotransmitters under authentic experiences.Are free of harmful physical and mental side effects.Can create positive addictions that benefit the overall well being of the individual.

Legal in all 50 states.

When we help others our brain releasesendorphins, and the neurotransmitter dopamine,these neurotransmitters hit a brain reward button.

Regular daily meditation can create tremendous feelings of well being, peace and tranquility that carry over into the rest of your day. How does it do it?

Regular strenuous exercise elevates energy, mood, endurance, and tremendous mind and body benefits. How does it do it?

In a controlled study, college students who exercised regularly decreased their binge drinking by 30%.Those who meditated decreased their binge drinking by 30%.Those who both meditated and exercised regularly decreased their binge drinking by 60%.How does it do that?

College Study

Hobbies/avocations let us escape the everyday stressors.

Attending shows/concerts/movies.Performing music/plays/comedy/sporting events.TravelListening to music.Writing & ReadingGetting a massagePetsBeing outdoorsFalling in LoveCelebrations/partiesDancingCreating art.With whom do you spend he most time?

Natural highs require some effort, knowledge and commitment.

Find something you want and like to do.Work at it, practice it, learn about it.And you will be able to better achieve …

Health!

Happiness!

Friendships/Love!

Well Being!

Success!

Enjoy your brain and exploit its potential to bring you peace of mind, happiness, and physical well being for a lifetime.