Learn about the structure of the human brain and how it is affected by drugs of abuse.

Imagine that the circles, called vesicles, at the top of the images are filled with molecules of dopamine, such as the arrow labeled as "1". The vesicles fuse with the axonal membrane to release the dopamine into the area called the synaptic gap. Dopamine can then activate the next axon ("6") or be recycled into the previous axon (through "5"). Cocaine blocks the channel that takes dopamine up again ("5"), so dopamine activates the next axon continuously. This can cause extreme mood swings.

This examines the Controlled Substances Act and provides information on narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabis, steroids, clandestine laboratories, inhalants, drug abuse and AIDS, state drug abuse prevention and treatment programs, and penalties for controlled-substance related infractions.

Drugs shows a variety of technology and drug paraphernalia and asks the student to describe some of the benefits or problems associated with drugs.

There are many illegal drugs in existence. These drugs are often dangerous to create and extremely harmful to the human body. Drugs are addictive and can ultimately cause death if drug abuse or over-dosages occur.

Ecstasy is a dangerous drug that causes the release of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. These molecules are neurotransmitters.

This is an online prevention book written by kids for kids. It features information about controlled substances and intoxicants, and their effects. The book is helpful as a research tool for classroom assignments, and is also fun to read and share with friends. There are questions, activities, and role playing scenarios.

LSD causes painful cluster headaches, uterine pain, and sleeplessness, although effects vary from person to person. Users of LSD may also experience loss of identity, start hallucinating, or wander around in a state of dissociative fugue.

Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant. Its immediate effects include excessive sweating, euphoria, and talkativeness. The long-term effects include weight loss and tooth decay, as seen in the image.

Anabolic steroids are artificial versions of a hormone that's in all of us -- testosterone. Some people take anabolic steroid pills or injections to try to build muscle faster. But these steroids also have other effects. They can cause changes in the brain and body that increase risks for illness and they may affect moods.

Hand out this "damage diagram" activity and help kids understand the big picture about steroids' side effects.

Try this activity to get the brain going and the discussion flowing. In this activity, first present the students with a list to memorize (on whiteboard or flip chart). Tell the students they have 1 minute only to memorize the list. Then, after 1 minute, take the list away. Have the students write down as many as they can remember. Have them call them out and write them on the board. Ask them how many they got correct. Use this activity as a lead-in to the discussion that follows about the brain and addiction.

These games extend uponand reinforce the lessons in the Mind Over Matter series. Students can test their knowledge with the nine games on this site.

Cocaine is made from the leaf of the coca plant. It often comes in the form of a white powder that some people inhale through their nose. Another form of cocaine, known as crack, can be smoked. Cocaine changes the way the brain works by changing the way nerve cells communicate.

Find out how much your students know or don't know about ecstasy. Have them try this quiz.

Teach your children/students the connection between drugs and HIV infection.

Hallucinogens powerfully affect the brain, distorting the way our five senses work and changing our impressions of time and space. When people use these drugs a lot they may have a hard time concentrating, communicating, or telling the difference between reality and illusion.

Maybe you haven't heard of inhalants, but you probably come across them pretty often. Hair spray, gasoline, spray paint -- they are all inhalants, and so are lots of other everyday products. Many inhalants have a strong smell. That's why they're called inhalants: Some people inhale the vapors on purpose. Why would anyone do this? Because the chemicals in these vapors can change the way the brain works, and those changes can make people feel very happy for a short time. But inhalants can also do harm.

Students will learn how the chemicals in inhalants can change how the brain and body work by finding their match.