Drug and Neurotransmitter

• prescription opioids and heroin produce effects that are similar to endorphin and enkephalin: increased analgesia, decreased alertness, and slowed respiration.
• Cocaine, for example, attaches to structures that regulate dopamine, leading to increases in dopamine activity and producing euphoria
• nicotine stimulates cells directly by activating their receptors for acetylcholine
• Some drugs mimic neurotransmitters.
• Marijuana mimics cannabinoid neurotransmitters
• Cocaine, attaches to the dopamine transporter to draws free-floating dopamine