Addiction

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Addiction

• a potential risk for ANYONE who uses drugs!!

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Key points to accompany the class video
Addiction the Hijacked Brain
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Psychoactive drug use effects dopamine levels

• dopamine is the neurotransmitter related to
  pleasure
• drug presence inhibits the production of dopamine
  (and the endorphins)
• brain physiology changes after addiction develops
• concentration of response is in the nucleus
  accumbens

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As a result, the brain...

• experiences less pleasure without the drug,
• focuses on thoughts related to renewing the
  drug-related pleasure, and
• initiates behaviors that seek that renewal.

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Relapse

• initiated by craving in response to
  environmental cues (e.g., seeing others use,
  preparing the drug for use)
• motivated by desire to relive initial good
  feelings
• enhanced by mind / body memory
• dopamine levels rise before use
• feeling memories associated with survival
  (amygdala, nucleus accumbens)

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Treatment

• regaining physical health, especially reversing
  malnutrition
• learning coping strategies
• introducing medicines that balance the cravings
  (i.e., take the edge off)
• seeking social support (e.g., family, Alcoholics
  / Narcotics Anonymous)

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Whos at risk?

• genetic and environmental influences
• greater risk within families where addiction is
  present (up to 60)
• Other risks
• high tolerance / low response
• easily bored / need for immediate gratification

Everyone is at some risk at least 15!!!
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Successful treatment requires

• treating dependent individual as a moral person
• recognizing addiction as a disease
• treating emotional baggage for a lifetime
• relearning personal / vocational skills
• seeking supportive group interaction
• accepting / seeking long term reward over the
  quick fix