Question

What is the effects of drugs in the nervous system and behavior

Answer 1

Mind-altering of them may slow down or speed up the central nervous system and autonomic functions necessary for living, such as blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and body temperature. Levels of some of the brain’s chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, are also impacted by abuse, including:

   •   Dopamine: This neurotransmitter regulates moods, enhances pleasure, and is involved with movement, reward and reinforcing behaviors, motivation, and attention.

   •   Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is responsible for stabilizing moods and regulating emotions.

   •   Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): GABA acts as a natural tranquilizer, mitigating the stress response and lowering anxiety levels as well as slowing down functions of the central nervous system.

   •   Norepinephrine: Similar to adrenaline, norepinephrine is often called the “stress hormone,” as it speeds up the central nervous system in response to the “fight-or-flight” response. It also homes focus and attention while increasing energy levels

They produce their effect on the body through two major processes. The first is the effect of the chemical properties of them on the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain and the spinal cord. This process is called pharmacodynamics. The second is how the they enter, are metabolised, and absorbed by the body. This process is known as pharmacokinetics. These two processes work together to produce a certain effect.

Pharmacodynamic processes

Neurons

A psycho-active type must find its way to the bloodstream to have an effect on the brain. Once it reaches the brain, it can lodge on to specific receptor sites on the neurons which are sensitive to particular types . Each type affects specific neurons in a number of parts of the brain. There are 13 billion neurons or nerve cells in each person's brain.

Neurotransmitters

Many drugs seem to imitate neurotransmitters, the natural chemicals that facilitate or inhibit the transfer of electrical impulses between neurons. For example, opiate type such as heroin are thought to exert their action by mimicking endorphins which are naturally occurring proteins that reduce pain.

How they affect your mental health

Mental health means different things to different people. You may think of control, happiness, contentment, order – but good mental health is usually a sign of a positive way of life. Mental ill health is the opposite of this – it causes problems and creates barriers to being happy. Your frame of mind may vary between the two as mental health can change. It can be affected by external influences, and one of them

that are psychoactive, such as cannabis, alcohol, ecstasy and heroin, have the ability to affect your mood. They can arouse certain emotions or dampen down others. This may be why you use them. The changes in your mood or behaviour caused are the result of changes to your brain. This is also the part of you that controls your mental health.

They interfere with the chemicals in your brain. This affects the messages those chemicals are trying to send. You need to weigh up both the short-term and long-term effects that drugs can have on your mental health.

The short-term effects may well be something you enjoy – but probably only if they happen like you expect them to. You may also have unwanted short-term drug-induced side effects, such as acting or feeling strange. These are short-term because they pass as that leaves your system.

Thry can have a longer-lasting impact on your mental health too, and you need to think seriously about your own strengths and vulnerabilities. Consider whether you use them to make bad feelings go away and whether you are in control of your use. Even if you start using them with a clear mind they may still affect your mental health.