Physiological psychology - Essay Example

Drugs and synapses Drugs influence on our brain should be discussed in correlation with the brain construction. The brain consists of a variety of cells, neurons. Different neurons are responsible for different level of brains reaction to information transmission from one to another with regards to individual’s ideas, sensing or doing. Therefore, communication between neurons is prevented. There are three prominent parts: “the dendrites, the nucleus, and the axon in the neurons” (Nahas & Burks, 1997).

Information is transmitted from the starting point of the dendrites and it ends at the final part of the axon. In case drug is used, there is a serious impact exerted on neurons transmission and communication. In other words, a gap between dendrites and axons is filled in by a strange chemical neurotransmitter.A signal passes from one neuron to another and this process is very important. There is a gap between the dendrite and the axon and, which is called synapse. “When the chemical-electric signal of an activated neuron reaches its terminal button, the electrical signal stops, and chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters are introduced into the synapse” (Benshoff & Janikowski, 2000).

When neurotransmitter chemicals pass through dendrites and axons and are connected with protein structures in lock-fashion. In other words, the neurotransmitter keys open the receptor locks on the dendrites surface thus exciting the post-synaptic neurons.If we consider a mechanism of the neurotransmitter Dopamine, we will see the following tendency: in the process of the synapse, the neurotransmitters are recalled back into the terminal button during “re-uptake” process. Under the influence of amphetamines, the neurotransmitter Dopamine suffers greatly.

There is a greater release of Dopamine as usual. Moreover, Dopamine remains in the synapse longer than usual. There is also an agnostic influence exerted on receptors. There is also another influence of Amphetamine exerted on another neurotransmitter, Norepinephrine (Jarvis, Tebbutt & Mattick, 1995). In this process Amphetamine activates post-synaptic receptors. Cocaine exerts another influence: the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters Dopamine and Serotonin is blocked by this drug. In the result of this illegal drug usage, neurotransmitter activity in specific regions of brains is intensified.

There is a so-called behavioral peculiarity, also known as euphoria. As far as we can see, drugs prevent human brains from a proper functioning that makes them dangerous. Communication from one neuron to another is halted. Moreover, information transmission from dendrites to axons occurs in a non-appropriate manner. In order to avoid behavioral deviation, there is a need to avoid usage of drugs or alcohol, which prevents neurotransmitters from a proper functioning. There is a direct connection between information transmission in the system of neurons and drugs are positioned as strange chemical activators or neurotransmitters (Jarvis, Tebbutt & Mattick, 1995).

Therefore, it is relevant to focus more on neurons interaction in human brains. A process of interaction between neurotransmitters’ opening the receptors’ locks should be considered in terms of the post-synaptic neurons excitement. The process of influencing human brain should be declared and discussed more actively with the purpose of preventing drug use among people of different age.Works cited1. Benshoff, J. J., & Janikowski, T. P. The Rehabilitation Model of Substance Abuse Counseling.

 Australia: Brooks/Cole, Thompson Learning, 2000.2. Jarvis, T. J., Tebbutt, J., & Mattick, R. Treatment Approaches For Alcohol And Drug Dependence: An Introductory Guide. Chickchester; John Wiley & Sons, 1995. 3. Nahas, G. G., & Burks, T. F. Drug Abuse in the Decade of the Brain. IOS Press, 1997.