Nancy asked:
" .......a student has asked for an explanation of how hallucinogens act on
the brain at the cellular level, and how that is different from how
addictive drugs act on brain cells...."
The short answer seems to be that most hallucinogens act at serotonergic
receptors but there's conflicting evidence as to whether the major effects
are agonistic or antagonistic. Most addictive drugs seem to directly (e.g.,
cocaine) or indirectly (e.g., heroin) act as dopaminergic agonists. But of
course it's much more complicated than this. Your student needs to get a
good psychopharmacology or physiol. psych book if he/she wants more detail.
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Edward I. Pollak, Ph.D. Office: 610-436-3151
Department of Psychology Home: 610-363-1939
West Chester University of Pennsylvania Fax: 610-436-2846
West Chester, PA 19383
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Husband, Father, Biopsychologist, Bluegrass Fiddler and
Herpetoculturist............. in approximate order of importance.
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