How Drugs Affect the Brain

Addictive substances change brain chemistry. This alters a person's moods and ability to control the use of these substances. This pamphlet explains what scientists have learned about how substance use affects the brain. It shows a new understanding of addiction, also called substance use disorder.

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Addictive substances--including sedatives like alcohol, opioids like heroin, and stimulants like cocaine--change brain chemistry. This alters a person's moods and ability to control the use of these substances.

This pamphlet explains what scientists have learned about how substance use affects the brain. It shows a new understanding of addiction, also called substance use disorder.