Download Drugs of Abuse

Drugs of Abuse Impact of Drugs on Brain Chemistry
Name:____________________
Date:__________
Period:______
Standard(s):

BI9. a. Students know how the complementary activity of major body systems provides
cells with oxygen and nutrients and removes toxic waste products such as carbon
dioxide.
 BI9. b. Students know how the nervous system mediates communication between
different parts of the body and the body’s interactions with the environment.
 BI9. d. Students know the functions of the nervous system and the role of neurons in
transmitting electrochemical impulses.
Learning Objective (s):
SWBAT…
 Understand the importance of maintaining a stable internal environment in the human
body.
 Understand the function of the nervous system.
 Explain how the nervous system maintains homeostasis.
 Explain how the nervous sends messages and communicates with different parts of the body.
Part I. Overview of the Impact of Drugs on Brain Chemistry
Resources:
 http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/drugs/abuse.html
 http://www.nida.nih.gov/nidahome.html
Directions:
 Open the link above.
 Click on each type of drug listed in the table. Click on next to move forward on the
webpage.
 For each of the drugs fill in the categories in the table below.
Name of Drug
Category
of
Drug
(depressant, stimulant, etc)
Effect of Drug on the
Brain/Brain Chemistry
Alcohol
Marijuana
MDMA
Methamphetamine
Nicotine
Inhalants
Heroin
Hallucinogens
Cocaine
Part II. Drug Impact Map
Resources:
 http://www.nida.nih.gov/nidahome.html
 http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_brain1.php
Directions:
 Select one of the drugs above and label the brain diagram below with the areas that are
impacted by the drug.
 Describe what this drug does to the effected parts of the brain in your own words.


You can complete this by inserting text boxes and arrows.
You may use a different diagram from google images if you prefer.
Part III. Analysis Questions:
Resources:
 http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/drugs/index.html
 http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_brain1.php
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
How do drugs impact the brain’s ability to function?
Which of the drugs seemed to impact the brain the most?
Why are drugs addictive?
How do depressants and stimulants affect the brains ability to send signals through
neurons?