University of Utah Department of Human Genetics

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University of UtahDepartment of Human Genetics
The New Science of Addiction
Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D. Director
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http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/ind
ex.cfm
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Addiction is similar to other diseases

http//www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addict
ion.html
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Key points

• Natural reward pathways exist in the brain
• Drugs of abuse alter the brains natural reward
  pathways
• Genetics is a factor in addiction
• Timing and circumstances influence addiction
• Addiction is a treatable disease

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http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/rew
ard/
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http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/dru
gs/
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http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/gen
etics/
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http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/fac
tors/
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http//www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/strate
gy.html
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http//www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addict
ion.html
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Treatment and recovery

http//www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatm
ent.html
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Components of effective treatment

• Treatment medications
• Treat withdrawal symptoms
• Help the brain adapt to the absence of the drug
• Prevent relapse by interfering with triggers

http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/iss
ues/treatments.cfm
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Components of effective treatment

• Behavioral therapies
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Motivational incentives
• Motivational interviewing
• Group therapy

http//www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatm
ent.html
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http//www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatm
ent.html
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Key points

• Natural reward pathways exist in the brain
• Drugs of abuse alter the brains natural reward
  pathways
• Genetics is a factor in addiction
• Timing and circumstances influence addiction
• Addiction is a treatable disease

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To learn more

http//learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/ind
ex.cfm