In this activity, we have discussed how the brain is affected by taking different types of drugs.
Even though there are several types of drugs, the effects all happen at the level of the synapse.
Drugs that increase the activity at a synapse are called agonists
and drugs that decrease activity at a synapse are antagonists.
Caffeine and cocaine are examples of stimulants that increase the activity of the central nervous system.
Alcohol is a depressant which means that its primary effect is to slow down the activity of the central nervous system.
LSD and Marijuana are hallucinogens which alter perceptions and thought processes.
Morphine and heroin are opiates which mean the drugs have their roots in the opium poppy.
These drugs block pain and create euphoria.
Antipsychotics and antidepressants are drugs that are used to treat symptoms of of different psychological disorders.
Antipsychotics are used to help with schizophrenia and antidepressants are used with depression.