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New high-resolution, non-invasive imaging techniques produce detailed diagrams of neural tracts, enabling new analyses of how brain regions are connected. Credit: Washington University – University of Minnesota Human Connectome Project consortium (http://humanconnectome.org/).
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Brief Description
The human brain is the most complex organ in the body—you need it to drive a car, to enjoy a meal, to breathe, to create an artistic masterpiece, and to enjoy everyday activities. In brief, the brain regulates your body’s basic functions; enables you to interpret and respond to everything you experience; and shapes your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Drugs, however, can alter important brain areas that are necessary for life-sustaining functions and can drive the compulsive drug abuse that marks addiction. As a result, NIDA supports a large body of neuroscience research that can provide clues how better to manage and prevent substance use disorders.
Research
- Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD)
- NIH Brain Initiative
- The Role of the Brain’s Opioid System in Cigarette Addiction (Science Highlight)
Effects of Specific Drugs on the Brain
- What are Marijuana’s Long-term Effects on the Brain?
- What Effects Does Heroin Have on the Body?
- How Do Bath Salts Affect the Brain?
- How Does K2/Spice Affect the Brain?
- What Does MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) Do to the Brain?
- What are the Long-term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse?
- How Do Hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, and Ayahuasca) Affect the Brain and Body?
Related Videos
- The Human Brain: Major Structures and Functions 5:05 1 of
- The Reward Circuit: How the Brain Responds to Methamphetamine 2:40 2 of
- The Reward Circuit: How the Brain Responds to Cocaine 2:33 3 of
- The Reward Circuit: How the Brain Responds to Natural Rewards and Drugs 1:48 4 of
- The Rise and Fall of the Cocaine High 2:00 5 of
- Holographic Brain 1:46 6 of
- The Swiss Cheese Model of Drug Addiction 1:45 7 of
- Investigating Drug Abuse: Brain Imaging 1:50 8 of
- Investigating Drug Abuse: Brain Neurons 1:27 9 of
- Why Are Drugs So Hard to Quit 2:04 10 of
Related Resources
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Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
Addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.