Question

quiz: brain and addiction
instructions: after reviewing facts on drugs: brain and addiction on the nida for teens web site (http://teens.drugabuse.gov/), take this short quiz to test your knowledge.

1. the human brain weighs about as much as a

a) doughnut
b) 12 - pack of soda
c) chihuahua

1. neurons in the brain communicate with each other by

a) passing axons
b) releasing chemicals
c) instant messaging

1. when you do something you enjoy, like watch a good movie, your system gets activated.

a) limbic
b) digestive
c) nervous

1. when someone uses drugs repeatedly, their brain

a) becomes trained to crave the drug
b) becomes smaller than before
c) is not changed

1. after a prolonged period of drug abuse, the brain

a) needs less drug to get the same effect
b) needs more drug to get the same effect
c) experiences increasing amounts of dopamine

Explanation:

1. The human brain weighs about 3 pounds, roughly the weight of a Chihuahua.
2. Neurons communicate by releasing neurotransmitters, which are chemicals.
3. The limbic system is associated with emotions and pleasure - it gets activated when doing enjoyable activities.
4. Repeated drug use trains the brain to crave the drug due to changes in the reward - system.
5. After prolonged drug abuse, the brain develops tolerance and needs more drug to get the same effect.

Answer:

1. c) Chihuahua
2. b) releasing chemicals
3. a) limbic
4. a) becomes trained to crave the drug
5. b) needs more drug to get the same effect