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Neurotransmitters

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Neurons of the brain are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. Neurons are found to be very close to one another forming a network of neurons. Neurons never touch and the way they communicate with each other is called a synapse. The synapse transmits information chemically between the neurons and cells they are trying to reach. Neurotransmitters are released from the neurons to activate receptors in other cells thought out the target cells. Drugs on the other hand interact with the receptors in the neurons and the target cells either activating them or blocking them, and then the drug has the effect the user wants. The neurotransmitters of the brain come in different variety and have different effects on the body. Acetylcholine is found in large quantities in the brain. It can have an inhibitory effect on the person causing euphoria and insomnia. Acetylcholine derived mostly from nicotine which is found in cigarettes. Catecholamines are neurotransmitters that include norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters control thought process. Cocaine for instance blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine which cause increased feelings of agitation and paranoia. This caused by the simulation of non-catecholamine’s in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is found in most foods and other things we eat or drink. Serotonin results in the feeing of relaxation and is used for sleeping problems. The abuse of drugs can have a negative impact on the user; a change in the serotonin system can cause mood swings, insomnia, and aggressiveness. Endorphins is a neurotransmitter that helps in the blockage of pain, drug user abuse narcotics that do this because people who suffer from pain can have an easy way out of it. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is activated by alcohol which gives the user the effect of sedation, relaxation, and drowsiness. All of these transmitters are found naturally in our brains and drugs over simulate these transmitters giving the desired effect.

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