Explain the processes involved when drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, mescaline, or alcohol enter the brain. You may draw a diagram to amplify your explanation.

Typically, drugs like alcohol, mescaline, marijuana, and cocaine are classified into various categories based on their effect on the brain. At the same time, all of them basically change the neurons’ mode so that they begin to receive, send, and process signals via neurotransmitters in different ways. For example, when one smokes marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) quickly activates the cannabinoid system in the brain because it has a chemical structure similar to anandamide. The latter is responsible for movement, thinking, pleasure, and memory.

THC stimulates dopamine release and can change a person’s behavior. Further, alcohol blocks chemical signals neurons bind to Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and replicates their activity, slowing down a person’s brain. When cocaine enters the brain, it binds to the dopamine transporter and increases the level of dopamine, causing a higher feeling of euphoria. Finally, mescaline binds to serotonin and dopamine receptors and stimulates the cortical area, which causes hallucinogenic effects.

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Academic.Tips. 2023. "Explain the processes involved when drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, mescaline, or alcohol enter the brain. You may draw a diagram to amplify your explanation." January 20, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/explain-the-processes-involved-when-drugs-such-as-cocaine-marijuana-mescaline-or-alcohol-enter-the-brain-you-may-draw-a-diagram-to-amplify-your-explanation/.

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