Drugs and Human Behavior Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Test Prep

Stimulants raise activity in the brain and in behavior. They boost signaling in neural circuits—especially dopamine and norepinephrine—by increasing release and blocking reuptake. This heightened neural activity translates into greater arousal, focus, and energy, which shows up as increased locomotion, wakefulness, and talkativeness. While metabolic rate can rise as a secondary effect, the core behavioral changes come from amplified neural signaling leading to heightened behavior. So, stimulants increase neural and behavioral activity.