Psychoactive drugs may affect nervous system activity by ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Psychoactive drugs are known to affect the activity of the nervous system by blocking reuptake of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells (neurons). When a neurotransmitter is released, it binds to a receptor on the receiving neuron, thereby initiating a response. After this, the neurotransmitter is rapidly removed from the space between the neurons (synapse) to prevent continuous stimulation. However, psychoactive drugs can interfere with this removal process by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter, leading to excess accumulation and prolonged stimulation of the receiving neuron.

Psychoactive Drugs May Affect Nervous System Activity by ____