AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The more often a drug is used, the more the brain becomes used to its effects, and the more established its pattern of homeostatic responses to the drug’s presence becomes. This is called neuroadaptation. A common effect of this is a young person’s increased tolerance to the drug.

Detailed explanation-2: -Neuroadaptation refers largely to the processes by which initial drug effects are either enhanced (i.e., sensitization) or attenuated (i.e., counteradaptation) by repeated AOD exposure. Drug-related responses (i.e., reinforcement) are modulated by the neuroadaptive changes that occur with AOD exposure.

Detailed explanation-3: -Neuroadaptations are anatomic or physiologic changes that attempt to maintain homeostasis and occur following the use of cocaine, methamphetamine (Meth), and 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

Detailed explanation-4: -Tolerance happens through changes at the cellular level. It’s the result of the brain restoring balance after it’s repeatedly overstimulated by a drug. As balance is restored, neurons, synapses, and entire brain regions start to work differently. The brain sets a new normal that includes effects of the drug.