AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Many mental health drugs act directly on neurotransmitters to change mood. Certain psychedelic drugs also may act on neurotransmitters, changing the brain’s behavior and improving mood.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters. 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: -A drug or other substance that affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior. Examples of psychoactive substances include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, marijuana, and certain pain medicines.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mechanisms of Action Psychoactive drugs generally produce their effects by affecting brain chemistry, which in turn may cause changes in a person’s mood, thinking, perception, and/or behavior. Each drug tends to have a specific action on one or more neurotransmitters or neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.