ByDhruv Zustshi

October 2, 2021 (IANSlife) Different types of drugs affect our bodies in different ways. Narcotics are a type of drug that may affect the ways in which the neurons send, receive and process signals through the neurotransmitters. Some drugs affect neurons because their chemical composition imitates the composition of the natural neurotransmitter. Therefore, this makes it easier for the drug to attach itself and activate the neurons. However, while the drug may imitate the chemicals in the brain, there is a difference in the way they activate the neurons. The drugs activate neurons that transfer abnormal messages through the network.

Narcotics can alter certain important brain areas which carry out life-sustaining functions. This further drives compulsive use of the drugs that lead to addiction. The different areas in the brain that are affected due to the usage of drugs are the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex and extended amygdala.

• The basal ganglia play an essential role in positive motivations which include the effects of healthy activities. The area is an important part that we may call the brain “rewarding circuit”. The narcotic drugs over-activate this part of the brain.
• The prefrontal cortex provides us with the ability to think, plan, make decisions and ensure self-control. Consumption of drugs plays with this part of the brain as well.
• The extended amygdala’s function is to handle stressful feelings like unease, irritability and anxiety. Therefore, this part plays a role which characterizes withdrawal once the high from the drug starts to fade. This then encourages the individual to consume the drug again.
• Additionally, there are drugs like opioids that disrupt other parts of the brain and further interrupt basic functioning like breathing and sleeping.
• Drugs such as amphetamine which is also known as cocaine can cause the neurons to release abnormal amounts of neurotransmitters, disrupting the normal functioning of the brain.

 

How do drugs produce pleasure?

Drugs can give a surge to chemicals signalling compounds that include our body’s endorphins and neurotransmitters in the basal ganglia. The surge is much greater than the small bursts that are produced naturally through healthy activities.

 

How does dopamine reinforce drug use?

Dopamine is the hormone that is released when we feel happy. Therefore, when the reward circuit is activated through a happy experience, dopamine signals the brain that this event needs to be remembered. This activity causes changes in the neuro connectivity that makes it easier for us to repeat the activity, which ensures the formation of habits.

This habit can form a daily routine that can be linked with drug use as the changes in the reward circuit can trigger cravings.

 

Why are drugs more addictive than natural rewards?

A person who regularly consumes drugs adjusts to the new environment by producing fewer neurotransmitters or their body may also reduce the number of receptors in the circuit. Hence, the individual’s ability to experience pleasure from natural activities reduces and it further provides them with a feeling of low motivation. Therefore, the need for this person to consume a large number of drugs is enforced.

 

Effects on the brain

Drugs become addictive because they produce euphoric effects in the brain. They also have the ability to damage our brain cells with seizures, stroke, or dementia. Prolonged use of drugs leads to impaired decision making, loss of impulse control and also memory deficits. While mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or schizophrenia may take place without any history of addiction, drugs abuse or use may trigger or worsen such conditions. Some drugs like cocaine and meth produce a high which is intense, therefore, flooding the individual’s brain with dopamine. While the high is short-lived, it is often abused repeatedly to extend the feeling of being high. A “crash” comes in after a high and it leaves the individual feeling irritated, confused and depressed.

Drugs like benzodiazepines, if consumed in high doses can lead to impaired reflexes leading to confusion and lack of coordination. It may also put a person in a coma and lead to death. Mixing it with alcohol, opioids or other depressants may increase the risk of an overdose. There are certain hallucinogenic drugs that cause a disorder known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). The disorder interferes with daily life functioning in the form of visual disturbances and hallucinations. It can further have long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and body.

 

(Dhruv Zustshi, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj)

 

 

(This article is website exclusive and cannot be reproduced without the permission of IANSlife)

IANSlife can be contacted ianslife@ians.in