The Effects of Psychoactive Substances, Caffeine and Alcohol on Brain Functioning

The effects of psychoactive substances, caffeine and alcohol on brain functioning[pic 1]

Introduction:

There currently prevails considerable speculation in regard to the controversial topic of whether stimulant drugs like that of coffea (caffeine), and depressive drugs such as alcohol, affect the consumers brain functioning. The topic is deemed controversial primarily due to the fact that these two prominent household beverages are perceived as acceptable to consume.  Their consumption is heavily ingrained within society and culture, where their actual effects are not accounted for, nor efficiently portrayed.

Definitions of key terms, derived from the research question: [pic 2]

Brain functioning:

Brain functioning refers to the organ of the body located within the cranium that is responsible for co-ordinating movements, functions, sensations and thought.  The brain is also responsible for receiving information from external stimuli and the rest of the body, and interpreting this information/stimuli in order to guide the bodies response. Further, the brain also functions to perform vital duties like that of regulating breathing, maintaining heart rate and blood pressure, as well as releasing hormones. Brain functioning maintains relevance to the subject of both caffeine and alcohol, as each drug chemically alters brain chemistry by effecting neurotransmitters (chemical substances which are released from the ends of nerve fibres, allowing for the transmission of of signals between neurons).

Caffeine affects the neurotransmitter of Adenosine, which regulates sleeping and waking cycles. Throughout wakeful time, Adenosine accumulates within the brain, eventually causing drowsiness, as a result of its attaching to cells and inhibiting their activity. Adenosine stimulates signals that tell the body that it is time to rest. In the brain, caffeine appears as Adenosine to nerve cells and binds to receptor sites. This, in affect deceives the brain, as it is unable to detect Adenosine and nerve activity does not slow down. (Anderson, H.2015, The Effects of Caffeine on Adenosine).

Alcohol also affects brain chemistry by altering levels of neurotransmitters. Alcohol affects Glutamate, which increases brain activity and energy levels. Alcohol supresses the release of Glutamate, consequently slowing down the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are a chemical substance released at the end of a nerve fibre, allowing for the transmission of signals from one neuron to another. (Di Salvo, D.2012, What Alcohol Really Does to Your Brain) .

Drugs:

Drugs, can be defined as any form of substance, (whether it be solid, liquidated, powdered etc.) that alters an individuals physical or mental state. In relation to this investigative report, the category of drugs which will be referenced are those of psychoactive drugs. Substances which can be regarded as psychoactive are those that either depress or stimulate the consumers body.  Psychoactive depressant drugs are able to conduct exertion upon the individual’s body, as a result of their decreasing the general proceedings of their central nervous system (comprised of the brain and spinal cord), which inevitably provokes a reduction in the said individual’s levels of alertness in correlation with also diminishing their conduction of vital bodily functions, inclusive of the regulation of breathing and heart rate. One rudimentary examples of a depressant drug which will be focused on within the duration of this report, is that of alcohol. [pic 3]

Alcohol: [pic 4]

Alcohol, refers to a colourless volatile liquid, that contains ethanol (which is produced as a result of the fermentation of sugars) and allows for the inebriation of the consumer. Alcohol may be present in a variety of differentiating forms. These forms are inclusive of fermented beverages (such as beer and wine) and distilled beverages (such a liquor). Alcohol is usually perceived by many people to cause a decrease in cognition.

Coffea: [pic 5][pic 6]

Coffea, which is commonly referred to as, ‘coffee’, is that of a brewed beverage that is derived from coffee beans which is universally consumed by millions of people globally, every day. This beverage is often used in order to awaken oneself, and increase focus upon mentally draining tasks.

Background observations of the connotations of these beverages:

This report has been written in relation to the reinforcement of acceptability in regards to the consumption of both alcohol and coffee, which can be seen by observing the copious number of advertisements in which both caffeine and alcohol feature upon television. This reinforcement of acceptability appears troublesome, as despite the lesser known negative effects of these simulants and depressives in relation to more severe drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, they are still ultimately drugs which may cause addiction, and ethically, should not be reinforced. Advertisements which reinforce their acceptability are inclusive of the Dare Iced Coffee range, Nespresso Coffee Blend range, as well as Nescafe flavours, and Bundaberg Rum, Carlton Draught, Victoria Bitter and many more.