Why do different recreational drugs give different types of “highs”, if they each affect dopamine levels?

Question by Meagan K [Old Account]: Why do different recreational drugs give different types of “highs”, if they each affect dopamine levels?
Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, meth and quite a few other recreational drugs inhibit dopamine neurotransmitters, so that the neuron takes up the same dopamine molecules over and over again, overstimulating the neuron.

So, why are the “highs” different for each of these drugs, if they are all a result of the levels of the SAME neurotransmitter, dopamine?

Best answer:

Answer by stygianwolfe
Its in the way they create new receptors and how they do.
Meth creates numerous receptors in the brain,more than needed.So with more receptors being stimulated,you get that euphoric rush 100 fold(as compared to other drugs such as alcohol and Marijuana.
Your body also is stimulated from different organs,form each drug.
Meth tends to hype up the adrenal gland( the fight or flight mode) and in its reaction is trying to keep your body alive in this primal condition.
Weed and Alcohol also have their own curve on receptors and body parts(giving you that numb feeling)
Your right that it comes down to the basics(dopamine) but the effects of each drug have properties that change how the dopamine gets effected.
Tobacco is a good example,they create their own receptors and these receptors only accept stimuli from tobacco use.
Each drug does this.

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