The document discusses the components of the nervous system, including glial cells which provide structure and nutrients, and neurons which analyze and transmit information. It then focuses on the 7 main neurotransmitters - dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, endorphins, glutamate, and acetylcholine - and their roles in mood, movement, memory, and other processes. Finally, it explains how psychoactive substances can impact neurotransmission by increasing or reducing neurotransmitter activity, or blocking reuptake.

1. Components of the Nervous System
 Glial cells (glia)
 Provide firmness and structure to the brain
 Get nutrients into the system
 Form myelin
 Create the blood-brain barrier
 Initially thought to be passive in comparison to “flashy” neurons
 Communicate with other glia & neurons
 New frontier: play a central role in addiction and mental health issues
 Neurons
 Analyze and transmit information
 Four defined regions
 Cell body
 Dendrites
 Axon
 Presynaptic terminals
 Communicate through neurotransmitters

2. Neuron

3. Chemical Pathways: Neurotransmitters
 7 Main neurotransmitters in the study of psychoactive
drugs
 Dopamine
 Serotonin
 Norepinephrine
 GABA
 Endorphins
 Glutamate
 Acetylcholine

4. Chemical Pathways: Neurotransmitters
 1. Dopamine
 Component of “reward” properties of drugs
 Mood & movement
 Attention & memory
 2. Serotonin
 Mood & sleep
 Desire & impulse
 Stimulants & Hallucinogens
 3. Norepinephrine
 Mood & movement
 Memory & sensory processing
 Stimulants

5. Chemical Pathways: Neurotransmitters
 4. GABA
 Sedation, drowsiness and relaxation
 Depressants
 5. Endorphins
 Pain relief & sedation
 Rate of bodily functions
 Opioids
 6. Glutamate
 Learning, cognition & memory
 Hallucinogens & alcohol
 7. Acetylcholine
 Involved in diverse processes: memory, attention & mood
 Nicotine

6. Impact on Neurotransmission
 Psychoactive substances can impact neurotransmitters in
both the intoxication and withdrawal process
 Many ways psychoactive drugs can impact
neurotransmission - 3 common ways:
 Increase neurotransmitter activity
 Agonist
 Reduce neurotransmitter activity
 Antagonist
 Blocking reuptake of neurotransmitter
 Reuptake inhibitors

7. Chemical Theories of Behavior
 Variations in behavior
explained through changes
in brain chemistry
 Historical and cultural perspectives
 Monoamine theory of mood
 Issue of experimental support
 Brain imaging techniques
 Types
 Reactions