Series
Drugs and Brain
Documentary
By studying the action of drugs on the brain, scientists penetrate the workings of human consciousness. A documentary series in which we discover, in five parts, that the study of the effect of drugs helps to understand the functioning of the brain.
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Seasons & episodes
- 1Opiates and Tranquilisers: From Pleasure to Addiction11 Oct 2005The human body manufactures its own painkillers to ensure survival when injured. This program shows how opium and its derivatives, heroin and morphine, hijack that natural pain-numbing ability. Illustrating the brain's ability to alter its own chemistry when attacked by drugs, the program depicts the process by which brain receptors become desensitized and thus addicted. Tranquilizers - and the potentially lifelong physical dependency and psychological problems they can cause - are also studied.
- 2Stimulants: The Mechanics of Pleasure12 Oct 2005Like an avenue filled with neon signs, the brain's so-called pleasure pathway can light up or go dark, depending on what sort of stimulation it receives. This program explores the workings of the human nerve center under the influence of cocaine, amphetamines, and other stimulants, and shows how our understanding of brain disorders and drug addiction has increased by studying these drugs.
- 3Designer Drugs, Uncertain Borders13 Oct 2005Hallucinogenic plants may be the oldest drugs in the world, and were probably used in rituals during prehistoric times. In the 20th century, LSD and ecstasy became the hallucinogens of choice. This program recounts how science has gradually become aware of the properties of hallucinogens, both natural and synthetic. It also provides a detailed look at the effects of such substances on the brain. Peyote, mushrooms, ayahuasca vine, iboga and yohimbe bark, belladonna flower, and even animal-produced chemicals like bufotenin—secreted from toad skin—are explored in detail.
- 4Cannabis, Herb of the Devil, or Magic Potion?14 Oct 2005The effects of cannabis use on the brain have only recently been identified and understood. While observing the mechanisms of action of cannabis, scientists discovered a system which nobody had ever suspected. Their findings are still little known to the general public but may lead us to make deep changes in the way we consider cannabis. They could open up new approaches to the treatment of pain, obesity, anxiety or even multiple sclerosis.
- 5Tobacco and Alcohol, Legal Drugs15 Oct 2005It is well known now that nicotine is not the main reason why tobacco products are addictive. As for alcohol, several genes have now been identified for alcohol sensitivity. Tobacco and alcohol are the most widely used drugs in the world. It is well known now that nicotine is not the main reason why tobacco products are addictive. Tobacco smoke contains over four thousand other addictive chemicals. As for alcohol, scientists have nicknamed it the "dirty drug". It creeps into dozens of circuits of the brain and causes considerable damage. Several genes have now been identified for alcohol sensitivity.
Details
- First aired
- 11 Oct 2005
- Last aired
- 15 Oct 2005
- Status
- Returning Series
- Language
- French
- Network
- ARTE
- Episodes
- 5
- Votes
- 2 on TMDB
