Alcohol, Nicotine and Heroin Mode of Action Flashcards
What does alcohol do to the body?
Depresses activity in the brain by binding to GABA receptor sites making GABA more effective, slowing down the speed with which messages are transmitted between neurons
What does alcohol do to inhibitory systems?
Makes inhibitory systems less effective so people under the influence of alcohol are likely to take more risks that they would do when sober
How does alcohol effect noradrenaline?
Alcohol anaesthetises the nerve endings of noradrenaline synapse and they become less effective therefore slowing down the effectiveness of the reflexes
Explains why the ability to respond in an emergency is impaired even when the amount of alcohol in the body is quite low
What immediately happens after exposure to nicotine?
The sympathetic nervous system is activated and the adrenal glands release epinephrine (adrenalin) into the bloodstream
What does the sudden rush of adrenalin from nicotine cause?
Causes a sudden release of glucose producing an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and respiration
Why does nicotine stimulate the acetylcholine synapses?
Nicotine molecules are the same shapes as acetylcholine
What does acetylcholine help the synapses do?
Helps synapses to modify and change which makes synaptic transmission easier
What does nicotine indirectly increase?
Indirectly increases the neural transmission of several neurotransmitters (Dopamine being one of them in the reward pathway of the brain) generating positive feeling that act as a reinforcer for continued smoking
What is heroine converted into in the brain?
Converted into morphine in the brain
It is the morphine that works at the opioid receptors at the synapse.
