Neuroscience – Pima Post

By DANIEL VELASCO MDMA, Ecstasy or Molly is a synthetic stimulant that causes hallucinogenic effects. Initially synthesized by the chemist Anton Kollisch in 1912, MDMA has become a popular party drug among youth. MDMA affects three neurotransmitters within the brain: serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Serotonin has an array of different effects such as sleep, pain and hunger. However, it’s most famous for its effect on mood. Someone with healthy levels of serotonin can experience a balanced mood with considerably less anxiety and depression. Dopamine helps regulate the brain’s emotional response. It also controls our brain’s relationship with rewards. When you accomplish something, the feeling you have afterward involves a boost of dopamine within your brain. Norepine...

By: DANIEL VELASCO Deep in the rainforests of Southeast Asia lies an infamous plant. With yellow flowers and evergreen leaves, kratom induces stimulant-like effects to its users, while causing opiate-like side effects to people who use it in high doses. Kratom is primarily put into capsules and made into extracts and pills, but dried kratom leaves can be brewed into a tea. Traditionally, kratom is chewed, or in some cases eaten in food. Its side effects are where this plant gets interesting. When kratom is ingested, the chemical compounds (Mitragynine and 7-a-hydroxymitragynine) affect the brain’s four opiate receptors. These brain receptors control an array of different behavioral aspects including pain, depression, anxiety and addiction. The most famous side effects are pleasur...

Tag: Neuroscience

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Kratom vs. opiate addiction