When it comes to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), we should recall that it acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) (Mihic and Harris 1997). Although there are three receptors in total, the focus of this paper will be on the interactions between GABA and the GABAA receptor, especially in the presence of alcohol. GABAA receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that allow for the entrance of chloride ions into the cell when opened (Davies 2003). These receptors
either by other men or, in limited cases, women. Often times, drugs are used to alter the state of mind of the victim of the date rape. Aside from the encouraged or almost forced intake of excessive alcohol, the most common drugs used are Rohypnol, Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB), and Ketamine Hydrochloride, these drugs referred to by a number of names, including “ActiveSex,” “Roofies,” “Ruffies,” “Roche,” “R-2,” “Rib,” and “Rope.” These drugs, commonly called date rape drugs, act very quickly and are
GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, is a central nervous system depressant which can relax or sedate the body that is usually given in a clear liquid form that looks just like water and is usually found in small bottles, like empty Visine bottles, Gatorade bottles, or old water bottles. GHB can also come in the form of a light-colored power, which you mix into soda, alcohol, or water. GHB is relatively cheap, $5-$10 dollars a capful or teaspoonful, and the intoxicating effects usually takes place within
Drugs and nightclubs Drugs are illegal in most countries and the extermination of drugs has always been one of our most important worldwide issues. Ending the existence of drugs is one of the toughest and most complicated goal we face. With all the effort we put into the issue, why is there little success? Lack of effort is not a major reason the attempts are failing. It is the lack of understanding that leads to the misdirection and failure of the attempts. As long as a strong desire to use drugs
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. It was first created in the 1920’s and was under development as an anesthetic agent in the 1960’s. GHB is produced naturally in the human body in very small amounts, but its purpose or function is unclear. The drug came on the scene recently as a club drug at all-night dance parties and raves. GHB causes both an intense, euphoric high and sometimes it even causes hallucinations. GHB has caused many young people
Additionally, there are five neurotransmitters that are primarily associated with addiction and antisocial behaviors: gamma aminobutyric acid otherwise known as GABA, acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (Wright et al., 2008). Gamma aminobutyric is a neurotransmitter that influences an individual’s inhibitions (Wright et al., 2008). Furthermore, low levels of gamma aminobutyric can be attributed to increased aggression and a propensity for violence (Wright et al.,
Schizophrenia is a devastating and costly mental disorder that affects 1% of population worldwide. Patients manifest clusters of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms in early twenties and are often left with life-long severe mental disability and social stigma. Cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia are considered core symptoms of this disorder, and can manifest at the initial stage (Elvevåg and Goldberg, 2000). Atypical antipsychotics ameliorate positive symptoms but may only modestly
Examples of Depressants Not many people are aware that some of the chemicals they use to induce sleep or relieve stress are classified as depressants. One of the many examples of depressants commonly used is alcohol, which can depress the central nervous system. Other popular downers include tranquilizers, sedatives and anxiolytics. Although some of these are prescribed by doctors to their patients, some are recreational substances that are abused by people without knowing the risks involved. Part
cell. These channels are made from integral membrane proteins that form a porin complex allowing a certain type of ion into the cell. The GABAA receptor is a ligand-gated channel which is made of five proteins, or subunits, called alpha, beta and gamma. This channel is responsible for the passive transportation of negatively charged chlorine ions
In my case study I was presented with a patient 58-year old patient who upon physical examination presented signs & symptoms of headaches, irritability, generalized muscle pain and very tight contractions and uncontrollable back spasms. Further assessing this patient, it was discovered that he previously injured himself by puncturing his left arm with a nail from and old barn he was tearing. The puncture wound has produced moderate quantities of pus, but it has not been kept clean. According to the
neurotransmission systems and the symptoms produced in AW due to the imbalance in the brain. Followed by outlining other physiological changes alterations that are associated with AW. The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain is the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which exerts its effects mainly through the GABAAreceptor. Alcohol exposure results in activation of the GABAAreceptor, which in turn leads to reduced postsynaptic nerve excitability and thus contribute to alcohol’s sedative effects
Treating depressive and bipolar disorders with antidepressants remains a popular option in clinical practice. Most clinicians choose the drug or class of drugs, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRI's, that is most effective and best tolerated with fewer severe side effects. These drugs are beneficial because they specifically target serotonin-based areas of the brain without affecting other neurotransmitter systems. SSRI's largely replaced tricyclic antidepressants which work by
(2009) also noted that cannabinoids have the ability to modify neurotransmitter release through activating presynaptic cannabinoid receptors (p.155). Furthermore, they declared the ability of cannabinoids to alter the functioning of dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in the brain. (p. 155-156). Going deeper, this article proposes that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia may be more prone to the psychosis that may appear ...
GHB, or Gamma-Hydroxy Butyric Acid is an intoxicating chemical with medical, recreational, and potentially entheogenic uses. It is a normal component of mammalian metabolism. It is naturally found in every cell in the human body and is most properly considered a nutrient. It is believed to be a neurotransmitter, although it is still unknown as to whether it exhibits all of the properties required to be considered one. GHB was first synthesized about thirty years ago by Dr. H. Laborit. He was a French
When society thinks about people drinking alcohol, the first assumption is that there is a drinking disorder occurring. There are thousands of ways to get help and for one to learn the correct way to drink alcohol. Society, however, doesn’t realize that there are steps and reasons alcoholism occurs within society. Alcoholism is an illness that is directly associated with persistent and excessive use of alcoholism (Mascott). According to Cunha, there is not a well-established cause for alcoholism
the balance of bodily functions and cause a variety of serious health problems. Amino acids are the chemical units, also known as "building blocks," that comprise proteins. They are also the end products of protein hydrolysis. Amino acids are unique from sugars and fatty acids because they contain approximately 16 percent nitrogen. Proteins are essential to life because they provide structure to all living organisms. Protein participates in vital chemical processes in various forms. Proteins are
There have been many debates about psychological disorders on whether they are acquired biologically (nature) or through learned behaviors and experiences people have (nurture). Anxiety Disorders is the most common mental disorder, affecting eighteen percent of the U.S population, roughly 40 million adults (ADAA). Anxiety is a normal emotion to experiences, but is different than just normal anxiety because it is where a person feels excessive or unrealistic anxiousness or fear. It is much more severe
Many addictive substances are consumed widely, with little regulation, meaning they affect millions or even billions of people. Not to mention the destructive effects of substance addiction for individuals. People can lose their relationships, their jobs, and their freedom to an addiction. Addictions often lead to death. Understanding addiction, how it happens, and how it can be treated can save people’s lives. Unlike many other addictive substances, alcohol is relatively inexpensive, with some beers
Absinthe: The Price of Creativity The practice of serious art, whether it be painting, music or literature, requires originalities of perception. At a level of neurobiology what this usually means is that the nervous system must respond in new ways to old inputs. How can in individual induce these responses that are needed for creativity? If creativity is a behavior, can it be influenced by things that occur in the brain? Some artists seem to be naturally endowed with the gift of creativity
PHA 6840 Assignment #3 1. Administration is the route by which the drug or chemical enters the body. Routes of administration are classified as oral, topical, parenteral, rectal, or through inhalation. Absorption of drugs is dependent on how they are administered. Drugs that are taken orally have a slower onset of action compared to drugs taken parenterally (i.e. intravascular, intramuscular, or subcutaneous). Drugs of abuse that are taken by intravascular route such as cocaine or heroin, are