Discussion question - Essay Example

Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body. They increase and control signals between neurons and some specialized cells in a process referred to as signal transduction. Typically, the axon releases neurotransmitter after an action potential in the synapse is attained (Kruk 102). These psychoactive chemical messengers cross the synaptic gap to reach a receptor region or specialized cells. Once the transmission of the signal is complete, reuptake process then proceeds.

In the reuptake process, the neurotransmitters attach themselves a receptor site (Perry 67). At the receptor site, neurons absorb these chemical messengers.Neurotransmitters play an imperative role in the body physiology, which form the basis of their classification. Based on the function, two types of neurotransmitters exist, which are excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Excitatory neurotransmitters trigger excitatory effects on the neuron as well as on other specialized cells that conduct signal transduction (Axelrod 56).

Inhibitory neurotransmitters, in contrast, elicit inhibitory effects on the neuron and signal transducers cells. Other classification includes acetylcholine, amino acids, neuropeptides and monoamines.Relationship between Neurotransmitter and AddictionAddictive substances affect neurotransmitters in diverse ways. Neurotransmitters respond to addictive substances by developing and maintaining their addictive effects on the body. Examples of neurotransmitters that have addictive role in the body include dopamine, GABA, noradrenaline, serotonin and adrenalin (Perry 56).

Addictive substances can interrupt the activity of the neurotransmitter in the brain. Alcohol and other addictive substances prevent proper neurotransmitters functioning in the brain. Substance effects on the brain results in the creation of activities in the mind that changes an individual’s behavior. Several dissimilar drugs have diverse links between neurotransmitter and addiction. For instance, amphetamines increase the release of dopamine, which is the primary neurotransmitter affected by addiction.

Works CitedAxelrod, Julius. Neurotransmitters. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman, 2009. Print.Kruk, Zygmunt., and Christopher, Pycock. Neurotransmitters and Drugs. London, LDN: Chapman & Hall, 2010. Print.Perry, E. K. Neurochemistry of Consciousness Neurotransmitters in Mind. Amsterdam: Benjamins Pub. Co., 2006. Print.