Name:

AP Psychology Research on Drugs & the Brain

DIRECTIONS: Open this document from your WTHS email; this will allow you to click web
links directly (saves times). Answer the questions below. Finish this assignment for
homework if not done in class.
BEFORE THE LAB: Read the attached article & use it to answer any questions in
this packet with an ***.
1. ***Summarize the 3 main categories of drugs: stimulants, depressants & hallucinogens.







A. Visit & read DRUG DELIVERY METHODS:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/delivery/

1. Rank the drug delivery methods from fastest to slowest. Explain how each delivery method
affects the drug users brain.




2. Briefly explain why slow delivery options can be an effective form of addiction therapy.


B. Visit & read DRUG USE CHANGES THE BRAIN OVER TIME :
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/brainchange/

1. Provide additional details on what happens to brain activity after drug use.
Dopamine levels increase-


o How do drugs impact your brains natural dopamine production?


Synapse activity decreases-


Brain connections are rewired-



Long-lasting changes-



C. Visit & read HOW DRUGS KILL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/drugskill/

1. Which of the drugs discussed do you find to be most lethal (deadly) and why? Explain your
answer (this is your own opinion based on the reading)!!





D. Visit & navigate EXPLORE! MOUSE PARTY
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/
As you explore the brain of each mouse, answer the questions below.
LSD
1. How does LSD interact with Serotonin receptors? Is it an agonist or
antagonist drug?



2. ***How is LSD classified (type of drug)?


COCAINE
1. How does cocaine affect dopamine transporters? What does that mean for dopamine
reuptake?





2. ***How is cocaine classified (type of drug)?

ECSTASY
1. For which neurotransmitter is ecstasy an agonist for?



2. What happens in the synaptic gap as a result?

3. ***How is ecstasy classified (type of drug)?


HEROIN
1. Describe heroins effect on dopamine levels in the brain.


2. How does the heroin user feel immediately after taking the drug?


3. ***How is heroin classified (type of drug)?

MARIJUANA
1. THC mimics Anandamide & is received by Cannabinoid receptors.
How does this affect dopamine release?



2. ***How is marijuana classified (type of drug)?


METH
1. Explain what happens once meth enters a cell.

2. What is the effect on dopamine in the system?


3. Why is Meth highly addictive?

4. ***How is meth classified (type of drug)?


ALCOHOL
1. List one role of the neurotransmitters GABA & Glutamate in the brain.


2. How does alcohol work with GABA?


3. How does alcohol work against Glutamate?


4. Which areas of the brain are affected most by alcohol consumption?

5. ***How is alcohol classified (type of drug)?

E. Visit & read THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/adolescent/
1. Why is drug use as a teen so risky and dangerous?


2. What is the evolutionary explanation for teenagers risk-taking?


F. Visit: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/. Explore any of the links on this page
which you have not yet read and may find interesting. After reading, answer the question below.
Some interesting links:
Environmental Risk Factors for Addiction
The Medical Marijuana Debate
Genes & Addiction
Seeds for Thought
Ritalin & Cocaine: The Connection & the Controversy
Mental Illness: The Challenge of Dual Diagnosis
Drugs of Abuse (Video Links need headphones)


1. What are two additional things you learned from these links?




The Three Main Categories of Drugs
Some drugs, due to certain factors that change their characteristics, may cause them to fall under different
categories at different times. For example, Cannabis has mixed effects; in high enough doses it is considered a
hallucinogen.
The three main categories were constructed based on similarities that certain drugs share; however, there are
many differences that these drugs have also.
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, speeding up communication between
the two. They usually increase alertness and physical activity. They include amphetamines, cocaine, crack and
some inhalants like amyl or butyl nitrites. Your everyday coffee is a stimulant that many people have formed an
addiction to. Those who stop drinking coffee even suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Ecstasy
Speed
Base
Ice
Methamphetamine
Amphetamine
Dexamphetamine
Phentermine
Methylamphetamine
Crystal Methylamphetamine
Paramethoxyamphetamine
Cocaine
Crack Cocaine
2. Depressants
Depressants slow down the activity of the brain and nervous system, slowing down the communication between
the two. For medical purposes they can calm nerves, relax muscles and useful for sleeping disorders such as
insomnia.
GHB
Inhalants
Heroin (it is also an Opiate)
Morphine
Codeine
Methadone
Buprenorphine
Pethidine
Dilaudid
Kapanol
MS Contin



3. Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens interfere with the brain and central nervous system in a way that results in radical distortions of a
users perception of reality. Profound images, sounds and sensations will be experienced, but they will not
actually exist. These are vivid hallucinations.
Cannabis (Marijuana)
LSD
Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin)
PCP (Phencyclidine)
Ketamine
Mescaline
Effects and symptoms are only potential
The list of desired and unwanted effects for different drugs can be quite long but its important to understand
they are merely potential effects of the drugs and may or may not be experienced by all users. This depends on a
variety of factors including:
A users physical, psychological and genetic makeup
The current physical and psychological state of a user
The source, quality, quantity and strength of the drug taken
Method of use
Different users will experience the effects of drugs differently. Some users may react to specific drugs in a way
that the desired side effects far outweigh the unwanted side effects. Conversely, another person may experience
severe unwanted effects from the same drug outweighing the desired effects, if any desired effects have been
experienced at all.
Desired or unwanted effect?
What may seem a desired effect to one person may be experienced as an unwanted effect by another person.
Lets take for example hallucinations, altered memory and decreased coordination. These effects could be seen
as negative or positive depending on the user.
Symptoms
Just as effects are only potential, symptoms are also. Take for example Cannabis. A user may become extremely
hungry, eating lots of food, still alert and laughing excessively. Others may be quiet, paranoid and sleepy.






Adapted from: http://www.ceida.net.au/drugs.asp