Spotting a cocaine addict is typically not very difficult and side effects such as irritability, anxiety and increased talking are easy to spot. Determine if someone you know is addicted to cocaine with help from a practicing psychiatrist in this free video on drug addiction.

Expert: Dr George Northrup
Contact: docgmd.com
Bio: Dr. George Northrup earned his medical degree at The University of South Florida in Tampa and completed his psychiatry residency at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

Series Description: Drug addiction is a life threatening illness, but these tips can help save someone’s life. Become aware of the signs and symptoms of drug addiction with help from a practicing psychiatrist in this free video series on drug addiction.

Share this page:

This video is available for instant download licensing here : https://www.alilamedicalmedia.com/-/galleries/narrated-videos-by-topics/addiction-science/-/medias/64c6e72c-f3af-4b26-aba2-f4dbfad29cca-mechanism-of-drug-addiction-in-the-brain-narrated-animation
©Alila Medical Media. All rights reserved.
Support us on Patreon and get FREE downloads and other great rewards: patreon.com/AlilaMedicalMedia
All images/videos by Alila Medical Media are for information purposes ONLY and are NOT intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Addiction is a neurological disorder that affects the reward system in the brain. In a healthy person, the reward system reinforces important behaviors that are essential for survival such as eating, drinking, sex, and social interaction. For example, the reward system ensures that you reach for food when you are hungry, because you know that after eating you will feel good. In other words, it makes the activity of eating pleasurable and memorable, so you would want to do it again and again whenever you feel hungry. Drugs of abuse hijack this system, turning the person’s natural needs into drug needs.
The brain consists of billions of neurons, or nerve cells, which communicate via chemical messages, or neurotransmitters. When a neuron is sufficiently stimulated, an electrical impulse called an action potential is generated and travels down the axon to the nerve terminal. Here, it triggers the release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft – a space between neurons. The neurotransmitter then binds to a receptor on a neighboring neuron, generating a signal in it, thereby transmitting the information to that neuron.
The major reward pathways involve transmission of the neurotransmitter dopamine from the ventral tegmental area – the VTA – of the midbrain to the limbic system and the frontal cortex. Engaging in enjoyable activities generates action potentials in dopamine-producing neurons of the VTA. This causes dopamine release from the neurons into the synaptic space. Dopamine then binds to and stimulates dopamine-receptor on the receiving neuron. This stimulation by dopamine is believed to produce the pleasurable feelings or rewarding effect. Dopamine molecules are then removed from the synaptic space and transported back in to the transmitting neuron by a special protein called dopamine-transporter.
Most drugs of abuse increase the level of dopamine in the reward pathway. Some drugs such as alcohol, heroin, and nicotine indirectly excite the dopamine-producing neurons in the VTA so that they generate more action potentials. Cocaine acts at the nerve terminal. It binds to dopamine-transporter and blocks the re-uptake of dopamine. Methamphetamine – a psychostimulant – acts similarly to cocaine in blocking dopamine removal. In addition, it can enter the neuron, into the dopamine-containing vesicles where it triggers dopamine release even in the absence of action potentials.
Different drugs act different way but the common outcome is that dopamine builds-up in the synapse to a much greater amount than normal. This causes a continuous stimulation, maybe over-stimulation of receiving neurons and is responsible for prolonged and intense euphoria experienced by drug users. Repeated exposure to dopamine surges caused by drugs eventually de-sensitizes the reward system. The system is no longer responsive to everyday stimuli; the only thing that is rewarding is the drug. That is how drugs change the person’s life priority. After some time, even the drug loses its ability to reward and higher doses are required to achieve the rewarding effect. This ultimately leads to drug overdose.

We have all heard of XTC, X, Molly or in medical terms MDMA. All names for the same drug. It is often praised for creating a warm, fussy experience filled with love, enjoyment and distortion of time and perception. This is the pitch, which might have convinced you to try it at some point in your life. Or maybe you have always been curious to do so.

That is where this video comes in. I will be covering the origin of MDMA, it’s effects, long term risks, symptoms of an overdose.

This video is part of a videoseries on the Dangers of Illicit Drugs. Find the playlists here:

The origin of MDMA:
It was developed by a German pharmaceutical company in 1912. It was intended as a compound which could be used to synthesize medications to control bleeding. Although soon people started experimenting with it and found out it’s stimulant and psychedelic properties.
In the 80s and 90s MDMA started to becoming widely available on the street as a party drug.

Statistics:
Sinds then, the popularity of MDMA sky rocketed. A recent study found that about 20% of all Americans had used MDMA in the previous year. And about 1% of Americans aged 19-28 had used it in the last month.

How does it work?
MDMA works by increasing the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. It also blocks their re-absorption. Together, this leads to an increased concentration of these neurotransmitters in several pathways of your brain.

The “positive” effects:
This mechanism causes the short term effects you might associate with MDMA: an enhanced sense of pleasure, euphoria, more self-confidence, increased energy, feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy.

The “negative” effects:
Unfortunately using MDMA can also cause several adverse effects, like: Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, sweating, thirst, nausea, impulsiveness, increased heart rate, rising body temperature and high blood pressure.

Withdrawal symptoms:
Among others: Irritability, depression, confusion, agression, muscle cramps, problems with sleep, anxiety, memory deficits, loss of attention, nausea, decreased appetite and decreased libido.

Overdose:
The risk of overdose is quite low. However, repeated use within a short time frame can increase this risk. In addition MDMA is prone to being “cut” with other illicit and potentially deadly chemicals. This further increases your risk on serious medical problems or an overdose.
The same is true for voluntarily combining MDMA with marijana, alcohol or other drugs.

Now pay attention: common symptoms for an overdose are: excessive thirst, heavy sweating, muscle cramping, shaking chills, little to no urine output, blurred vision, fainting and seizures.
Seek immediate medical help if you recognize these symptoms, as they can lead to severe liver damage, kidney failure, brain damage, heart failure and potentially death.

– Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. –

Literature:
1: A. Perez. J. Leonard (2022). How long does molly stay in your system? Medical News Today.
2: NIDA. (2021). Can you overdose or die if you use MDMA use (Ecstasy or Molly)? NIDA.
3: J. Halpern. A. Sherwood. J. Hudson et al. (2011). neurocognitive features of long-term ecstasy users with minimal exposure to other drugs. Addiction.106: 777-86.
4: NIDA. (2022). MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse Research Report: Introduction. NIDA.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Follow me on Instagram: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on Facebook: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on Tiktok: @How2medicate
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/howtomedicate

Share this page:

A boxer is forced to pause her career to support a drug addiction, in this clip from Season 14, Episode 15.

Stay up to date on all of A&E’s premieres at http://aetv.com/schedule.

#Intervention

Subscribe for more from Intervention and other great A&E shows:
http://aetv.us/subscribe-ae

Find out more about the show and watch full episodes on our site:
http://aetv.us/InterventionOfficial

Check out exclusive A&E content:
Website – http://www.aetv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AETV/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aetv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aetv
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aetv

“Intervention” profiles people whose addictions or other compulsive behaviors have brought them to a point of personal crisis, and the friends and family members who come together to help them.

A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, thought provoking original programming with a unique point of view. Whether it’s the network’s distinctive brand of award-winning disruptive reality, groundbreaking documentary, or premium scripted drama, A&E’s brave storytelling always makes entertainment an art. Visit us at aetv.com for more info.
Video Rating: / 5

Share this page:

Years of self-abuse, self-medication and a severe addiction to heroin have left Karissa volatile and desperate, in this clip from Season 15, Episode 5.

Stay up to date on all of A&E’s premieres at http://aetv.com/schedule.

#Intervention

Subscribe for more from Intervention and other great A&E shows:
http://aetv.us/subscribe-ae

Find out more about the show and watch full episodes on our site:
http://aetv.us/InterventionOfficial

Check out exclusive A&E content:
Website – http://www.aetv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AETV/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aetv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aetv
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aetv

“Intervention” profiles people whose addictions or other compulsive behaviors have brought them to a point of personal crisis, and the friends and family members who come together to help them.

A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, thought provoking original programming with a unique point of view. Whether it’s the network’s distinctive brand of award-winning disruptive reality, groundbreaking documentary, or premium scripted drama, A&E’s brave storytelling always makes entertainment an art. Visit us at aetv.com for more info.

Fatal drug overdoses peaked last year, according to preliminary data from the CDC, fueling hope that the deadliest addiction in American history has finally stalled. But fatalities are only part of the ongoing crisis. Tony Dokoupil reports.

Subscribe to the “CBS Evening News” Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/1S7Dhik
Watch Full Episodes of the “CBS Evening News” HERE: http://cbsn.ws/23XekKA
Watch the latest installment of “On the Road,” only on the “CBS Evening News,” HERE: http://cbsn.ws/23XwqMH
Follow “CBS Evening News” on Instagram: http://bit.ly/1T8icTO
Like “CBS Evening News” on Facebook HERE: http://on.fb.me/1KxYobb
Follow the “CBS Evening News” on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1O3dTTe
Follow the “CBS Evening News” on Google+ HERE: http://bit.ly/1Qs0aam

Get your news on the go! Download CBS News mobile apps HERE: http://cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8

Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream local news live, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! http://bit.ly/1OQA29B

—
The “CBS Evening News” premiered as a half-hour broadcast on Sept. 2, 1963. Check local listings for CBS Evening News broadcast times.
Video Rating: / 5

Share this page: