How+Drug+Abuse+Affects+the+Nervous+System

__How Drug Abuse Affects the Nervous System__

Have you ever wondered what kind of effects can occur from the use of drugs? Well I have, and I took it upon myself to learn about drug abuse and how it can affect the nervous system. First of all I learned that drugs can be classified into different categories based on their effects. For example, there are stimulants, depressants, opiates, etc. any of these drugs can have an effect on the nervous system that can cause problems with sending or receiving signals in the nervous system __Stimulants__ are things like nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, and ecstasy. Stimulants usually increase people's mood and activity in the brain. There is a chemical in the body called dopamine that gets blocked by neuronal cells which activates the “high” caused by stimulants. Dopamine is the chemical involved with things like movement, pain, emotions, etc. Stimulant abuse can cause things like Increased blood pressure, decreased sleep, and risk of seizures and strokes. __Depressants__ are things like alcohol and marijuana. Depressants affect neurotransmitters.There is a chemical in the brain called GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric) that decreases brain function and depressants increase the amount of GABA in the brain basically making the person using the drug more stupid. __Opiates__ are drugs like codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone. Opiates are usually used as painkillers and when abused can make the individual immune to the effects. The drugs bind to the opioid receptors and reduce the feeling of pain. People can usually become dependant on the drugs. Learning about these drugs assures me that I will never be doing these because they all have negative effects and when abused can lead to stupidity, seizures, and addiction. And for what? To feel good for an hour or night?

The opiate codeine.

The stimulant known as cocaine

Depressant known as marijuana



A picture of syringes, pills, and a pipe.

References: [|__https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-stimulant-medications-amphetamines__] __http://www.livestrong.com/article/209295-effects-of-drug-abuse-on-the-nervous-system/__