Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain

2 papers in the library · 1 citation · publishing 2024

Papers

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)

Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain April 8, 2024 Jayalakshmi Krishnan 1 citation

MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic drug with both hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. It produces feelings of pleasure and warmth, distorts sensory time and perception, and increases activity of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. Health effects include nausea, sweating, chills, and muscle cramping, with effects lasting 3 to 5 hours. A spike in body temperature can be fatal, affecting the liver, kidney, and heart. Addiction is not proven, but withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and depression are noted. MDMA is typically taken orally or snorted, sometimes with other drugs, and is a scheduled drug with no proven medical use.

DOI: 10.2174/9789815223828124010004

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain April 8, 2024 Jayalakshmi Krishnan

LSD is a potent hallucinogen first synthesised in 1938, derived from ergot, a fungus on rye and grains. Its effects are mind-altering, pleasurable, and stimulating, but can also cause unpleasant experiences called 'bad trips', paranoia, or psychosis. It alters perception, sense of time and space, and mood, and affects serotonin levels in the brain, impairing rational decision-making. Classified as a Class 1 drug (highly abused) by the Drug Enforcement Agency, it is taken orally via tablets, droplets, blotter paper, gelatin squares, or liquid sugar cubes. No medication treats LSD; options include speaking with a healthcare professional, talk therapy, and additional medical therapy.

DOI: 10.2174/9789815223828124010005