Transcript Ch. 9-Drugs and the brain

Lesson 3: Drugs and the Brain
CH. 9-DRUGS AND THE BRAIN
KEY TERMS:
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Addiction: a condition in which a person can no longer
control his or her drug use.
Drug Tolerance: A condition in which a user needs
more of a drug to feel the same effect felt when first
using the drug.
Physical Dependence: A state in which the body relies
on a given drug in order to function.
Psychological Dependence: A state of emotionally or
mentally needing a drug in order to function.
Withdrawal: Uncomfortable physical and psychological
symptoms produced when a physically dependent drug
user stops using drugs.
HOW MESSAGES ARE SENT IN THE BRAIN
EFFECTS:
DRUGS CAN CHANGE HOW MESSAGES ARE
SENT:
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Some drugs can change the way neurons communicate
with each other.
These drugs act like neurotransmitters, block
neurotransmitters, or change the amount of a
neurotransmitter in synapses.
Changing the communication between neurons by
interfering with neurotransmitters changes the way we
sense, feel, and respond to the world around us.
Changing chemical messages between neurons by use
of drugs can in some cases benefit health but in other
cases is harmful.
MESSAGES IN THE BRAIN DETERMINE OUR
MOODS:
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Neurons
communication with
each other by
neurotransmitters.
Drugs that affect the
brain change how
neurotransmitters are
sent or received.
Thus, such drugs can
change one’s feelings,
perceptions, and
actions.
DRUGS:
DRUGS CAN AFFECT EMOTIONS:
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Antidepressants are examples of drugs that change the
way the brain works in a beneficial way. (correcting
levels of Serotonin synapse-reduce depression)
Drugs of abuse such as marijuana, cocaine, and
nicotine interrupt the balance between many
neurotransmitters needed for normal brain functioning.
These drugs alter our judgment in ways that affect our
ability to understand and deal with realty.
If drugs like these are taken over a long period of time,
they can create the powerful changes in feelings and
behavior that lead to addiction.
THE PATH TO ADDICTION
Behavioral Warning Signs of Addiction:
i.
Loss of interest in schoolwork
ii. Dramatic change of appearance
iii. Change of friends
iv. Unexplained mood swings
v. Absences from school
vi. Dramatic change in eating habits
vii. Excessive secretiveness or lying
viii. Unexplained need for money
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BRAIN:
DRUG ADDICTION:
WITHDRAWAL:
Neurons can keep the working balance that has
been established during physical dependence as
long as the person keeps taking the drugs.
 If the drugs are suddenly removed, the neurons
work abnormally.
 The uncomfortable physical and psychological
symptoms produced when a physically dependent
drug user stops using drugs is called withdrawal.
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WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS:
ADDICTION A A TREATABLE DISEASE:
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People who are addicted to drugs are both
physically and psychologically dependent on
drugs.
Most communities offer a variety of treatment
programs. In treatment, patients receive help in
getting off the drug to which they are addicted, as
well as counseling to understand why they have
become addicted.
Counseling also helps the addict cope with life
without the drug. The sooner the treatment is
started, the easier it is to do so. The sooner an
addict, or drug abuser who is on his way to
becoming an addict, starts treatment, the better.
Despite all the brain changes that happen and
behaviors that addicts learn, they recover.
One fool proof way to avoid addiction-don’t use
drugs of abuse.
Nicotine and alcohol, both of which are highly
additive, are illegal for teens to use.
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
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Turn to page 234 in your text book. Answer
review questions #1-10.