2. How the Brain Talks Neurotransmitters
Excitatory – stimulate
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Inhibitory – balance mood
Serotonin
GABA(gamma aminobutynic acid)
Dopamine is both an excitatory
and inhibitory
neurotransmitter

3. Unbalanced neurotransmitters can cause problems.
Unbalanced neurotransmitters can be caused by poor diet, stress, genetics, and DRUGS!

4. Addiction
A chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences
Physical dependence does not always equal addiction.
The body naturally adapts to regular exposure to a substance.
National Institute of Drug Abuse
Youtube video: Nuggets Addiction

5. What causes addiction?
Everyone is different, a combination of factors can influence drug addiction risk.
Biology – genes, gender, ethnicity
Environment – family and friends, economic status, early exposure to drugs, parental guidance.
Development – when in life a person uses, the earlier the more likely to become addicted.