Drugs, Dopamine, And Lessons From The Brain

By definition, drugs are a medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. Drugs are chemicals that alter, block, or mimic chemical reactions in the brain.  They may be taken for medicinal purposes, as part of our daily routine such as with caffeine or as a recreational activity. This causes an alteration of the body's normal processes, causing physical changes such as faster heartbeat, deeper respiration or mental changes such as elevated mood and new thought processes. Drugs are used for a myriad of purposes from anaesthesia to psychotherapy. But the question begs, what are the true underlying risks and benefits associated with introducing these chemicals into the body? How does it alter the brain's natural function and what impact does that have on the quality of our lives? The brain is a fascinating organ and we can learn a lot about how our actions and emotions are impacted from chemical changes in the brain when stop to take a closer look inside our skulls. What you don't know about the dopamine pathway might just surprise you.

Speaker: Dr. Nora Volkow, NIH, with Michael Krasny