What happens to your brain when you take drugs?

Drug addiction is a very powerful disease. The body becomes so dependent on the drug that the withdrawal cravings feel impossible to resist. We now know exactly how drugs effect the brain as well.

The Effects of Stimulants

A stimulant is a substance that produces an arousing effect on the mind and body. Some examples of dangerous stimulants are crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine. When these drugs are used, it stimulates the central nervous system. This drug addiction can give the user a sense of energy and alertness. The brain is not equipped to handle the excess stimulation associated with addiction. Over time, this damage to the central nervous system can lead to seizures or convulsions. Cocaine has even more adverse effects on the brain. It produces a high by transmitting large amounts of dopamine. Dopamine is one of the chemicals that send messages of pleasure. This chemical, in extreme amounts, can permanently rewire the brain, and even cause hallucinations.

The Effects of Depressants

Depressants have the opposite effect of stimulants on the central nervous system. It slows down the brain, which hinders your body's ability to function properly. The most common depressant substances are alcohol and prescription muscle relaxers. The produce temporary feelings of euphoria and intoxication. In large doses, however, they can wreak havoc on the brain. Slow-firing neurons impair speech, motor skills, vision, and other bodily functions. In extreme cases, this particular addiction can relax the heart and diaphragm to the point of a coma or death. When alcohol is mixed with prescription depressants, the effects can also include blackouts. Blackouts are significant, and often permanent, memory loss.

The Effects of Narcotics

Narcotics are drugs that increase relaxation and relieve pain. Two of the most powerful narcotics are morphine and heroin. Morphine is prescribed to help people manage severe pain, but both substances are highly addictive. Like certain stimulants, this drug effects the central nervous system by flooding it with dopamine. With each use, the rush becomes more difficult to achieve, which leads to larger amounts being put in the body. This creates both a biological and physical dependence. The brain becomes convinced that just a little more of the drug will repeat the intense pleasure of the first time. Because of the severity of this drug particular addiction, you may need to consider a facility for treatment. There are facilities available to help you towards sobriety. Explore the possibility of contacting a drug rehab center in Utah.


Overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol is extremely difficult to do alone. People who believe that they have a problem should seek assistance as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to speak with a counselor, therapist, or doctor about your concerns. If you consider a drug rehab center in Utah, Pathways Real Life Recovery can help. We have several services, treatments, and programs designed to cater to your individual needs. Our treatment team is available 24-hours a day/7 day a week, so feel free to contact us at any time.


About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.


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