Ep 5. Your Brain on Drugs

In season 1 episode 5 of The Addictive Brain, titled "Your Brain on Drugs," the show delves into the effects of various drugs on the brain, from prescription medications to hard drugs like cocaine and heroin.

The episode begins with a look at how prescription pain medications, such as opioids, can often lead to addiction. The show explains how these drugs work by binding to certain receptors in the brain and blocking the sensation of pain. However, over time, the brain can become dependent on these drugs, leading to a vicious cycle of wanting more and more to achieve the same effect.

Next, the show explores the effects of cocaine on the brain. Cocaine works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. The show explains how chronic cocaine use can lead to changes in the brain's reward system, making it difficult for the user to experience pleasure from anything else.

The episode also looks at the effects of heroin on the brain. Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, again leading to feelings of pleasure and reward. However, heroin use can quickly lead to addiction, as the brain becomes dependent on the drug to achieve those feelings.

Throughout the episode, The Addictive Brain also highlights the long-term effects of drug use on the brain, such as changes in the brain's structure and function. The show explains how these changes can lead to problems with decision-making, impulse control, and other cognitive abilities.

Overall, "Your Brain on Drugs" is a gripping and informative episode of The Addictive Brain that offers a deep dive into the effects of drugs on the brain. Through expert interviews, real-life stories, and cutting-edge research, the show provides a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which drugs can alter the brain's chemistry and lead to addiction.