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Module 1.3b

shocks. Likewise, humans who voluntarily ingest high doses of cocaine in laboratory exper-
®
iments impose higher shock levels on a presumed opponent than do those receiving a AP Science Practice
placebo (Licata et al., 1993). Cocaine use may also lead to emotional disturbances, suspi- Research
ciousness, convulsions, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure. Placebos are important in experi-
Cocaine powerfully stimulates the brain’s reward pathways (Keramati et al., 2017; mentation. They allow researchers
Walker et al., 2018). Its psychological effects vary with the dosage and form consumed, but to uncover effects on behavior
the situation and the user’s expectations and personality also play a role. Given a placebo, caused by the administration of
cocaine users who thought they were taking cocaine often had a cocaine-like experience an inert substance or condition,
which the recipient assumes is
(Van Dyke & Byck, 1982). an active agent — such as the
In national surveys, 1 percent of American twelfth graders and 6 percent of British cocaine in this study.
18- to 24-year-olds reported having tried cocaine during the past year (ACMD, 2009;
Johnston et al., 2021).
Methamphetamine CONNECT 1.3-7
Amphetamines stimulate neural activity. As body functions speed up, the
user’s energy rises and mood soars. Amphetamines are the parent drug Link amphetamines to neurotransmitters
for the highly addictive methamphetamine, which is chemically similar but (discussed in Module 1.3a) by pointing
has stronger effects (NIDA, 2002, 2005). Methamphetamine triggers the
release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells that out to your students that research has
enhance energy and mood, leading to 8 hours or so of heightened energy Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office shown that former methamphetamine
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
and euphoria. Its aftereffects may include irritability, insomnia, hyperten- users often lose some key dopamine
sion, seizures, social isolation, depression, and occasional violent outbursts
(Homer et al., 2008). Over time, methamphetamine reduces baseline dopa- Dramatic drug-induced decline In the 18 months transporters crucial to movement,
mine levels, leaving the user with depressed functioning. between these two mug shots, this woman’s verbal performance, and memory.
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
methamphetamine addiction led to obvious physical Patients with Parkinson’s disease
Ecstasy changes. experience similar decreases in these
Ecstasy, a street name for MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known in its
powder form as Molly), is both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen. As an amphet- same dopamine transporters.
amine derivative, Ecstasy triggers dopamine release, but its major effect is releasing
stored serotonin and blocking its reuptake, thereby prolonging serotonin’s feel-good
flood (Braun, 2001). Users feel the effect about a half-hour after taking an Ecstasy pill.

The hug drug MDMA, known as
Ecstasy and often taken at clubs,
produces a euphoric high and feelings
of intimacy. But repeated use can
destroy serotonin-producing neurons,
impair memory, and permanently
deflate mood.

PYMCA/UIG/AGE Fotostock

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