Along with physiology and psychology, chemistry plays an important role in addiction. Professor of Chemistry Anthony Rappe will give a free webinar Nov. 12 explaining how.

The webinar, hosted by the American Chemical Society, will feature both Rappe and the University of Kent’s Darren Griffin, 2-3 p.m. Nov. 12.

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of neuronal synaptic transmission. These natural processes can be diverted or disrupted by exogenous agents such as ethanol, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin, leading initially to a pleasurable feeling, but ultimately to a dependency.

The presentation will review basic steps of neuronal action and focus on the chemistry that leads to neuronal modification and addiction.

What You Will Learn

• The differences between the psychological, physiological, and chemical contributions to addiction
• The connection between rate of “assault” or action and neuronal modification
• The roles that hydrophobicity and conformational flexibility play in rate of “assault” and hence addiction