Last time we discussed how our brain actually works and how drugs affect the brain in an article titled, “ The Amazing Human Brain.” If you recall, we said that the brain is composed of billions of nerve cells which are responsible for transmitting, signaling and communicating information to each other so that we can perform our daily activities. How does this happen, well, a series of electrical impulses release chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters, which than pass on information from one cell to another and an action occurs in the body. This action happens in both your sensory or motor neurons. For example, communication between nerve cells send signals to the brain, spinal cord, which then leads you to quickly remove your hand from a hot burning stove!
Lets look at the chemical dopamine again. Dopamine we said, is a chemical responsible for motivation, learning, risk taking behaviors, mood, movement , decision making, creativity, pleasure, pain, addiction and well-being. It is known as a , “ Reward and Pleasure Chemical.” Drugs like cocaine specifically target this chemical in the brain , by intensifying and altering the way we experience pleasure. Under normal conditions, dopamine is released in small amounts in the brain in anticipation of pleasurable activities such as, eating, sex and etc.. But when a drug like cocaine enters the brain, it interferes with the normal recycling process which takes the dopamine not used and reserve it for the next cycle. The system is prevented from shutting-down and abnormal levels of dopamine begins to builds up in the brain, resulting in an intense , “ High.” This action causes an individual to experience changes in the body like elevated heart rate, paranoia, excitement, intense pleasure, irritability, nervousness, energy, elevated mood and anxiety. Overtime, repeatedly drug use can lead to an addiction, a habitual behavior characterized by an individual’s inability to stop using drugs on their own due to impulse and uncontrolled craving .
Scientist have proven that people who use drugs overtime have fewer receptors in the brain. Receptors act like a puzzle piece, they can bind to a specific neurotransmitter ( Chemical Messengers). If a person who abuses drugs has less receptors, than their ability to experience ordinary pleasure in life will be diminish thus requiring the need to use more of the drug just to feel, “normal.” Our ability to move, feel, think, learn, work, play and make rational decisions can be impeded by the overstimulation or under stimulation of these chemicals in the brain. I am sure you can think of a number of substances besides drugs, that fit this category. Such as, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol to name a few. Let’s face it, we only have one brain, so use it don’t abuse it.
