Which neurotransmitter is affected by all psychoactive drugs?

Dopamine plays a central role in the brain's reward system and is significantly affected by various psychoactive drugs. When individuals consume substances, many of them lead to an increase in dopamine levels, which is often linked to feelings of pleasure and reinforcement of behaviors associated with drug use. This increase in dopamine is a critical factor in the development of addiction, as it reinforces the desire to repeat the behavior that produced the pleasurable experience.

Different classes of psychoactive drugs manipulate dopamine levels in unique ways. For instance, stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines increase dopamine release or inhibit its reuptake, while opioids can enhance dopamine transmission as well. Thus, understanding the impact on dopamine can illuminate the mechanisms of action for a wide range of substances and their potential for abuse and dependency.

Other neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine also play significant roles in mood, anxiety, and various physiological processes, but they do not uniformly interact with all psychoactive drugs to the same extent as dopamine.