e one’s job. Without money it is difficult to buy the expensive drugs and the addict may turn to crime. Drug trafficking is commonly turned to in order to pay for the doses. (Torr, J. 1999)Drugs interact with neurotransmitters at different stages of normal process. Drugs can negatively influence presynaptic neurons by blocking the release of the neurotransmitters; this affects the PNS (peripheral nervous system) in its effectiveness and sensitivity. This means some drugs actually block the communication network in the nervous system so that the impulses to stop or start action are not transmitted.A drug can act postsynaptically, acting on the receptors. The drug may mimic the normal neurotransmitter and cause an increase or decrease in the excitability of the postsynapic neurons. Other drugs can block the action of a neurotransmitter.Some drugs change the information processing qualities of the nervous system, by interfering with synthesis, storage, release or activation of neurotransmitters. By slowing down or blocking certain materials from passing in and out of a cell as they normally would, some drugs act on all membranes.Hormones help the body maintain physical and mental balances. Taking drugs affects the way hormones are regulated in the body. This changes the way the nervous and endocrine systems function. When the nervous system is stimulated or depressed, hormone levels are also affected.Psychoactive drugs affect the central nervous system and alter normal functions of the brain, causing behavior and emotion changes. Classes are stimulants, depressants and narcotics.Stimulants speed up the central nervous system. They elevate blood pressure, dilate pupils, and cause decreased appetite. Users may experience irritability, sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness or sleeplessness. Overdoses can cause irregular heartbeat tremors, loss of coordination, physical collapse and death. Psychotic episodes and extreme fear can...
