THE BRAIN &ADDICTION.

the hype is never something to believe in. but, that “human physiology” course all seniors in high school had to take with mr. keaney turned out to be everything i had made up in my mind. as if intentional, (right before the college years) the course would function as a “dare to be drug free” p.s.a. as well. minus talk on dopamine, the teacher would make the course (PER USUAL).  he was the boys soccer coach &infamous for catching kids in the hallways after the bell had already rung. &despite a British accent, his spunk was contagious. he’d lean against this skeleton on wheels, like it was a pal of his. he loved this stuff! &now i would too. 

to all great teachers, thank you for influence. (ending my academic career soon..)


can we talk about your brain? so intricate &delicate, it must be Handmade..
when everything has a function; once distorted, the system is bound to fail.


how communication in the brain normally functions: via electric signals &chemical messages. when potential is actioned, an impulse gets carried down axon (protected by myelin sheath which ensures transmission of impulse) of the presynaptic neuron toward its terminals. once reached, electrical impulse causes membranous sacs (vesicles) to fuse with the terminal’s membrane &contents are released into synapse (space between pre &post synaptic neuron). molecules in vesicle now contain chemical compound called neurotransmitter. here, the “messenger” binds to specific receptors (proteins) of postsynaptic neuron, which then spark electric impulse in now presynaptic neuron. as a postsynaptic neuron, the receptors then release NT that’s taken back up by “presynaptic” neuron where it will be recycled for another electrical impulse. &it goes round &round &round again.


the control unit of all our behavior/mental/physical functions, the brain functions as the body’s nucleus; our command center, how we process info. what happens when this Godly natural drug communication system in brain gets interrupted by some mere substitute? slow stoners like “leo” in that 70’s show are made. your brain on drugs is like an arm functioning as a leg. it doesn’t work that way, silly!


drugs disrupt neurotransmission (&don’t forget, communication is everything!!)
**nothing ever touches like the 1st time &your brain is forever caught trying for that 1st euphoria again. catch 22: when impulse inhibited by drug, more of drug is needed to get high**


like baking, we are made for exact measurements. cravings/withdrawing arise from the brain’s need to now maintain a state of homeostasis (breakdown results in sickness/disease) with the drug. hence, a very moody drug addict. (eat a snickers/get sober).

so, when you snort cocaine up that pretty little nose, you not only kill the cells in your nostrils (bye bye vessels of communication), but the mucus over time decreases. in this final paper for the course, on page “name 4” (mla) most extreme ex. of too much is detailed as nostrils collapsing &1 nostril remaining. 
your brain on cocaine has the neurotransmitter (ex. dopamine) so rudely blocked from performing its job properly (attaching to receptors &returning back for rebranding).

alcohol kills neurons that control mental functions, consciousness, those that create new memories. with alcohol abuse, brain’s capability for learning decreases. #loss

in (heroin) addicts, tolerance is built when drug is now metabolized more efficiently &quicker &brain cells become more resistant. receptors become less efficient in activating 2nd messenger system because the effect of the drug (opiates) has on, now diminished senses.

psychoactive chemical in marijuana, thc effects many brain regions including movement, balance, coordination, memory &judgement. hippocampus, where memories are stored &formed.. the damage here is done.

effects of lsd/hallucinogens long-term: psychosis, disorientation, disorganization &inability of brain to recognize reality; dramatic mood swings, flashbacks.

meth - damage to dopamine &serotonin producing cells (neurotransmitters/messengers)
hard to get to “happiness”

ecstasy/mdma - “scoops of brain gone” when neurons in hypothalamus are killed &only maybe grow back later. damages serotonin releasing neurons &reduces serotonin transport (makes u more sad). emotions effected/motivations.

caffeine, stimulant found in coffee “exerts its effects by preventing a neurotransmitter called adenosine from binding to its receptor.” currently, blocking the job function of the neurotransmitter, adenosine which causes sedation. (born with a natural sedative/Drug?? God is good). &now the coffee’s “working.” i’m up!

even our brain can get addicted to negative thoughts (hence depression). a meme i recently saved to desktop reads, “if you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” your brain is following a pattern, trying to be as efficient as possible.


kinds of NT’s (dated 4/5/07) 
acetylcholine, found at neuromuscular junction (nerves &muscles)
dopamine, used in reward system to give you pleasure
norepinephrine, responsible for fight/flight response
serotonin involved in mood &appetite. low levels signify depression.


much goes into an addictive brain besides your brain learning a new “norm” from the drugs. like, risk factors: genetics, environment, possible abuse. knowing what we know now about how addictive our brain is (&how it’s made to function like this for more efficiency).. granted they are committing a crime by taking an illegal substance, going to jail wouldn’t treat an addict.