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Module 1.3b

shocks. Likewise, humans who voluntarily ingest high doses of cocaine in laboratory exper-
®
iments impose higher shock levels on a presumed opponent than do those receiving a AP Science Practice
placebo (Licata et al., 1993). Cocaine use may also lead to emotional disturbances, suspi- Research
ciousness, convulsions, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure.
Cocaine powerfully stimulates the brain’s reward pathways (Keramati et al., 2017; Placebos are important in experi-
mentation. They allow researchers
Walker et al., 2018). Its psychological effects vary with the dosage and form consumed, but to uncover effects on behavior
the situation and the user’s expectations and personality also play a role. Given a placebo, caused by the administration of
cocaine users who thought they were taking cocaine often had a cocaine-like experience an inert substance or condition,
which the recipient assumes is
(Van Dyke & Byck, 1982). an active agent — such as the
In national surveys, 1 percent of American twelfth graders and 6 percent of British cocaine in this study.
18- to 24-year-olds reported having tried cocaine during the past year (ACMD, 2009;
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
Johnston et al., 2021).

Methamphetamine
enhance energy and mood, leading to 8 hours or so of heightened energy Publishers.
Amphetamines stimulate neural activity. As body functions speed up, the
user’s energy rises and mood soars. Amphetamines are the parent drug
for the highly addictive methamphetamine, which is chemically similar but
has stronger effects (NIDA, 2002, 2005). Methamphetamine triggers the
release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells that
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth
and euphoria. Its aftereffects may include irritability, insomnia, hyperten- Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
sion, seizures, social isolation, depression, and occasional violent outbursts
(Homer et al., 2008). Over time, methamphetamine reduces baseline dopa-
mine levels, leaving the user with depressed functioning. Dramatic drug-induced decline In the 18 months
between these two mug shots, this woman’s
methamphetamine addiction led to obvious physical
Ecstasy changes.

Ecstasy, a street name for MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known in its
powder form as Molly), is both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen. As an amphet-
amine derivative, Ecstasy triggers dopamine release, but its major effect is releasing
stored serotonin and blocking its reuptake, thereby prolonging serotonin’s feel-good
flood (Braun, 2001). Users feel the effect about a half-hour after taking an Ecstasy pill.

The hug drug MDMA, known as
Ecstasy and often taken at clubs,
produces a euphoric high and feelings
of intimacy. But repeated use can
destroy serotonin-producing neurons,
impair memory, and permanently
deflate mood.

PYMCA/UIG/AGE Fotostock

The Neuron and Neural Firing: Substance Use Disorders and Psychoactive Drugs Module 1.3b 49

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