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Legenda

Sluit

Legenda

Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine

Adrenaline

Anandamide

Dopamine

Endorfine

GABA

Glutamaat

Serotonine

Substantie P

Eiwitten / enzymen

Acetylcholinesterase

MAO

Receptor

Transporter / Heropname eiwit

Drugs

Alcohol

Cannabis / THC

Cocaïne

Heroïne / Morfine

Ketamine

Nicotine

Speed / Amfetamine

XTC / MDMA

Overig

Azijnzuur

Choline

Remmend signaal

Stimulerend signaal

How the brain works

Reward centre

One key brain area is the reward centre. Dopamine is the most important neurotransmitter for this area. The reward centre arouses feelings of pleasure when you eat, drink or have sex. It rewards that behaviour with positive feelings that make you want to repeat the behaviour again and again.

According to the theory of evolution, the reward centre plays a vital role in the survival of the species. Drugs stimulate the reward centre in similar ways to food, drink or sex.