AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The drug affects three neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (or noradrenaline). When the drug enters the brain, it leads to these neurotransmitters being released from their synaptic vesicles in neurons. This results in increased neurotransmitter activity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Drugs (psychoactive) Psychoactive drugs are substances that, when taken in or administered into one’s system, affect mental processes, e.g. perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions. Psychoactive drugs belong to a broader category of psychoactive substances that include also alcohol and nicotine.

Detailed explanation-3: -Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter in the body. This allows the drugs to attach onto and activate the neurons.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some drugs mimic neurotransmitters. Opioid drugs such as heroin and OxyContin, for example, chemically resemble the brain’s natural opioids sufficiently to engage and stimulate their specialized receptors.