how do drugs affect neurotransmitters
Neurons are separated by gaps or spaces known as synapses. As the brainâs chemical messengers, neurotransmitters must find receptors on other neurons in order to transmit the messages they contain. How do drugs affect neurotransmitters? It is helpful for addiction counselors to be familiar with the neurotransmitters affected by drugs. This information is also important in understanding how psychiatric medications are thought to work. There are many neurotransmitters in the brain, but we will focus on the ones that are involved with the reward pathway. Different drugs have differential effects on neurotransmitters. Marijuana and opiates/opioids can activate neurons because their chemical structure emulates that of a natural neurotransmitter. Cocaine and crystal meth, on the other hand, can cause the nerve cells to release much larger than normal amounts of natural neurotransmitters or prevent the usual reabsorption of these brain chemicals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, memory processing, and cognition.