AP Psychology - 1.15

Agonist

molecule that mimics/increases a neurotransmitter's action

Antagonist

molecule that inhibits/blocks a neurotransmitter's actions

Psychoactive drug

a chemical substance that alters perception or mood; has psychological & physiological effects

Addiction

the body's desire/need for a drug, just to feel 'normal'

Tolerance

habituation to a drug so that with regular use, higher doses are required to achieve similar effects

withdrawal

discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior; psychological and/or physiological symptoms

What do depressants do?

act by slowing body functions and reducing neural activity

Alcohol can…

• Can serve as a relaxant in low does

• Most abused drug in America

GABA is a an inhibitory NT. Depressants work by…

increasing GABA, which reduces activity in neural circuits

Effects of alcohol

• Directly affects cerebellum. Hence the drunken stagger and slur after a few drinks

• Large doses can cause blackouts - which affects REM sleep (thus memory formation)

• Affects hippocampus

Opiates (opioid - synthesized in a lab)

narcotics derived from the opium poppy

What does the brain stop producing when repeatedly flooded with opiate/opioids?

• endorphins and dopamine

• leading to painful withdrawal…and thus many OD

Heroin

the 'hero' to cure dependence on Morphine