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Drugs and the Brain
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About the Home Page Image

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

Effects of Specific Drugs on the Brain

Related Videos

Related Publications

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Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

Published April 2007. Revised July 2014. Provides scientific information about the disease of drug addiction, including the many harmful consequences of drug abuse and the basic approaches that have been developed to prevent and treat the disease. En Español

Brain Power Grades 4-5 Cover

Brain Power: Grades 4-5

Published January 2005. Revised September 2012. Offers an interactive science education program for students in grades 4–5 to explore the human brain and the effects of drugs on the brain. Includes six modules, parent newsletters, posters, and videos.

Brain Power: Grades 2-3

Published January 2001. Revised September 2012. Provides a science program for students in grades 2–3 to educate them about their brains, why they should protect them, and how drugs such as nicotine and medications can be harmful. Includes six modules, parent newsletters, and videos.

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Brain Power: Grades K-1

Published January 2005. Revised September 2009. Offers an interactive science education program for students in grades K–1 about scientists, the brain, and the effects of drugs on the human body. Includes five learning modules, student resources, parent newsletters, and videos.

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Brain Power: Grades 6-9

Published June 2007. Offers an interactive science education program for students in grades 6–9 about the brain and the effects of drugs on the body. Includes six modules, resources for students, parent guides, and online activities.

Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIH-sponsored clinical trials available to you.

Other Clinical Trials information sources:

This page was last updated April 2015

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