Recreational drugs affect neurotransmitters in the brain
many ways. Some drugs increase the production of particular neurotransmitters, others
suppress their production or their effect and some drugs due to their molecular
structure can bind to sites which are meant for specific neurotransmitters and mimic
their actions. These effects caused by the drugs result in experiences of intense
pleasure or reduced pain which makes those using drugs take them with increased
frequency and in larger doses.
Some examples of these
effects are morphine which binds to the receptors for endorphin and nicotine which binds
to the receptors for acetylcholine. They can in this way acts as these neurotransmitters
in the brain. Cocaine and ecstasy increase the production of dopamine and serotonin
respectively. Alcohol has the ability to block NMDA receptors, and reduces its
availability.
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