lecture 5: drug abuse and public health concerns

what is drug abuse? the harmful or excessive use of _________ substances such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. causes significant impairment in health, social, or occupational functioning. target organ: the _______ _________ __________ (CNS, brain)

central nervous system

how do psychoactive drugs work in the brain (what are the mechanisms of action)?

1. mimic _________ and ________ receptors (agonist)

2. __________ neurotransmitters and/or receptors (antagonist)

3. ________ ________ of neurotransmitters

neurotransmitters, stimulate, inhibit, block reuptake

an agonist is a substance that ________ to a cell receptor and _________ it to produce a response

binds, activates

an antagonist binds to a receptor and _______ or opposes that response

blocks

glutamate is an __________ neurotransmitter

excitable

gaba is an ________ neurotransmitter, so they calm down

inhibitor

dopamine and serotonin control your _________

mood