WITHDRAWAL SYNDROMES
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Drugs and alcohol affect mood by
altering brain chemistry, specifically the production of
neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the central
nervous system that enable nerve impulses to travel through the
central nervous system and regulate thought processes, behavior, and
emotion. Drugs that temporarily elevate neurotransmitter levels are
called stimulants. Drugs that decrease neurotransmitter levels and
depress the central nervous system are called depressants; they
include opiates and sedative-hypnotic drugs such as alcohol and
barbiturates. (There are exceptions: Benzodiazepine elevates the
level of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, therefore it serves
as a tranquilizer)
When drug or alcohol consumption becomes chronic, the body adjusts
to the constant presence of the substance by changing its normal
production of neurotransmitters. If drug and alcohol use suddenly
stops, the body and central nervous system react to the absence of
the substance with an array of symptoms known collectively as
withdrawal syndrome. |
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| WITHDRAWAL SYNDROMES RELATED ITEMS |
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