What Are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters (NT) are molecules acting as chemical messengers of the nervous system (central (brain) and peripheral), to transmit messages, either between neurons (nervous cells) or between neurons and muscles.

The communication between two neurons happens in the synaptic cleft, the small region (gap) between synapses of neurons, where the released NT will bind to specific receptors, in order to send messages. NT control all the body’s functions.

Neurotransmitters are involved in addiction process

Neurotransmitters which are important for the brain are:

• Acetylcholine
• Glutamate
• GABA
• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Histamine

Drugs act either by imitating, inhibiting or stimulating one or more NT.

Dopamine is the NT implicated in the reward and pleasure circuit, which is the most affected by drugs, leading to tolerance and addiction.