Tryptamine psychedelics show strong neuromodulatory effects in key brain regions involved in mental imagery, theory of mind, and affective regulation, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

The Effects of Tryptamine Psychedelics in the Brain: A meta-Analysis of Functional and Review of Molecular Imaging Studies

All drugs of abuse significantly alter neuropsychological performance, but psychostimulants and alcohol have more robust effects on cognitive flexibility and spatial processing, while opioids impact updating and decision-making.

What are the specific vs. generalized effects of drugs of abuse on neuropsychological performance?

Drug abuse leads to a wide range of changes in the central nervous system, including ischemia, cerebrovascular diseases, and widespread morphological alterations in the brain.

The neuropathology of drug abuse

Addiction is a chronic brain disease involving co-option of reward, self-control, and affect pathways, with long-lasting neuroplastic changes in the brain.

The Brain on Drugs: From Reward to Addiction

Combinations of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis have more contrasting effects on brain connectivity than single use, while marijuana and alcohol may follow an additive effect trend.

The Impact of Combinations of Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis on Dynamic Brain Connectivity

Drug abuse, such as "bath salts," amphetamines, and cocaine, leads to neurotoxicity and oxidative stress, which can inhibit neurogenesis and cause neuronal death.

Psychoactive Drugs—From Chemical Structure to Oxidative Stress Related to Dopaminergic Neurotransmission. A Review

Heavy alcohol and drug use during adolescence is associated with poorer cognitive functioning and altered brain activity, potentially affecting brain development.

Alcohol and Drug Use and the Developing Brain

A single dose of drugs of abuse can induce persistent neuroplasticity in certain brain cell populations, which correlates with addiction and related neuropsychiatric illnesses.

Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse

Antipsychotic treatment potentially contributes to brain structural changes observed in psychosis, with typical antipsychotics increasing the volume of basal ganglia.

Do antipsychotic drugs affect brain structure? A systematic and critical review of MRI findings

Illegal substance abusers show deeper sensitization of reward circuitry, and treatment status plays a different role in brain reactions to drug cues than legal substance abusers.

How the harm of drugs and their availability affect brain reactions to drug cues: a meta-analysis of 64 neuroimaging activation studies

Substance abuse in adolescents and children can impair cognitive functions, negatively impacting learning and memory processes, with new smart drugs also posing a risk.

Influence of Drugs on Cognitive Functions

Psychedelic drugs affect serotonergic receptors in the brain, affecting self-experience, emotional processing, and social cognition, potentially contributing to their therapeutic effects.

Classic Psychedelic Drugs: Update on Biological Mechanisms

The brain is a complex organ, in charge of controlling all thoughts and movements of the body. It is complex enough without the influence of any substance: the use of drugs, including prescription medication, caffeine, alcohol and marijuana, and illicit substances such as cocaine, and heroin. They all have an astounding effect on the brain.

Reactions on the inside: The many ways that drugs affect the brain

Psychoactive substances significantly alter brain and behavior, affecting mood, cognition, behavior, and physiology, and affecting perceptions and social function.

Pharmacological Drug Effects on Brain and Behavior

Synthetic drugs significantly harm the brain, causing neuronal hyper stimulation and reduced neural connectivity, often leading to addiction and severe, life-threatening adverse effects.

The New Classes of Synthetic Illicit Drugs Can Significantly Harm the Brain: A Neuro Imaging Perspective with Full Review of MRI Findings.

Drug entry into the brain is influenced by anatomical boundaries, circulation, myelin, and the blood-brain barrier, with binding interactions potentially playing a crucial role in brain chemistry.

Drugs in the Brain

Drug addiction can lead to long-lasting health complications, including brain damage, memory loss, and psychological issues.

Impact of Complications of Drug Addiction on Human Health

Psychostimulants and alcohol disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity, leading to neurotoxicity and increased permeability, contributing to substance abuse disorders.

Effects of Drugs of Abuse on the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Brief Overview

Ethanol's molecular effects in specific neurons contribute to behavioral changes during acute and chronic exposure, highlighting the need for targeted research to combat alcohol use and abuse.

Alcohol and the Brain: Neuronal Molecular Targets, Synapses, and Circuits

Plant-based extracts and phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds, may improve brain function and may serve as nootropics.

Herbal extracts and phytochemicals: plant secondary metabolites and the enhancement of human brain function.

What are the effects of drugs and substances on the brain?

These studies suggest that drugs and substances can cause neuromodulatory effects, cognitive impairments, structural brain changes, neurotoxicity, and persistent neuroplasticity, with varying impacts depending on the type and combination of substances used.