Studies Seem To Confirm It

The ponderance that Brain = Behavior and the inherent ramifications of such proves no more fascinating than when addressed in the context of "Addiction and the Brain". Essential to consider is:

By comparison, those who never smoked pot had an average increase of one IQ point by the same age. (Scientific America, 2013)” However when the data was reanalyzed by Ole Røgeberg of the Ragnar Frisch Center for Economic Research in Oslo he suggested the IQ difference could be explained by socioeconomic factors. The effects of marijuana on the brain are still being studied as science approaches a clearer understanding.

A prevailing belief in the field of addiction is that drug addiction is a “brain disease” characterized by “uncontrollable, compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences” (Leshner 2). In his article “Addiction Is a Brain Disease,” Alan I. Leshner claims that repeated use of drugs alters brain structure and function (1) and that once addicted, few are able to revert back to occasional use (2). Because of their “uncontrollable” behavior, he believes addicts cannot quit on their own and need formal treatment (4). Although Leshner’s ideas represent wide held beliefs in the psychiatric field, recently an array of studies, such as Rat Park and the Vietnam veterans, produce evidence that disproves Leshner’s beliefs that addiction is compulsive, does not exist on a spectrum, and needs professional intervention to resolve, and instead suggests that environmental factors play a larger role in addiction and recovery than was previously believed.

From the Pedigree Investigator game I learned how to make and use a pedigree. It was interesting to be able to classify each of the family members into their categories of use and risk. While I previously knew about the brains build up of tolerance to drugs, resulting in a poorer feeling when not on the drug and increased intake of the same drug in order to get a similar experience as at first. The last thing that I found very interesting was how Marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug despite research demonstrating considerable usefulness for medical

The point of this article is establish ties between drug-addiction and deficiencies in the brain that regulate impulse control. The article shows that through the testing of drug-addicts brains and comparing their brain functions to those of their non-addicted siblings revealed that the deficiencies present in the drug-addicts also existed in the non-addict siblings, suggesting that drug addiction is hereditary. The article goes on to say that if that is true, it serves as a basis for the prevention of drug addiction since the non-addict siblings were able to exert some level of control over their impulses and not become addicted to drugs.

Scientists and physicians say that addiction is a complex, but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. The use of

Marijuana can also have adverse effects on the intellect of a young user. When smoked in your teens, marijuana can result in the loss of an average of 8 IQ points. (Marijuana Has Harmful Individual and Social Consequences, April 2015, par. 16) Many people who used to smoke frequently but have since quit, have attested to the inimical effects of the drug and how it has affected their lives. Even if the user quits later in his or her life, the result is

Perhaps those addicted may not be solely at fault. There are many types of addictions but they all have one common attribute. The one attribute they all have in common is that they all stem from the brain. There is a common belief that addictions result from one making poor choices; however, that might not always be the case. By understanding addictions and how they can be hereditary is crucial in order to prevent addictions for the duration of generations. The importance of understanding that genetics are linked to addition is significant because it can prevent future addictions throughout families.

It is widely known that there are multiple biological theories and psychological theories of addiction. In this paper, I will select the genetic inheritance theory of biological theories of addiction and the addictive personality theory of psychological theories of addiction to illustrate how both theories are different and similar. In addition, I will discuss if I would use these theories in my future practice.

It is impossible to treat a disease without including all of the possible primary causes of the symptoms. In the same regard, it is unreasonable to identify addiction as coming from a singular source, or conceive a model in which to view it, without taking into consideration other influences. As the biopsychosocial model has come to the forefront in providing a better understanding of addiction, it is not enough; other pathways yet to be address require attention. Therefore, I maintain that until and unless we are willing to include all contributing factors in identifying a theory or model for addiction, we do a disservice to the individuals who are battling this disease. Let us examine the components of the FCP of Addiction Model. Biological influences take into consideration what the disease model classifies as an imbalance in the nervous system, though drug induced. The psychological component includes how a person learns, their motivation, personality, and how they interact with others. Since we are all a part of the world at large, and each of us identify with our own culture, we would be remiss not to consider the influence and impact of social norms and culture on addiction. I have intentionally touched briefly on the three modalities of the biopsychosocial model because my position is that there are other influential pathways to consider in the treatment of

In today's society, addiction is not viewed as brain disease. Many believe the act of taking illicit drugs or indulging in addictive behaviors, such as gambling, is a voluntary act. However, studies of the past few decades support the idea of addiction as brain disease. Unfortunately, this concept is still questioned because the behaviors of addiction have not yet been fully linked to neurobiology.

Addiction is like all behaviours “the business of the brain”. Addictions are compulsive physical and psychological needs from habit-forming sustenances like nicotine, alcohol, and drugs. Being occupied with or involved in such activities, leads a person who uses them again and again to become tolerant and dependent eventually experiencing withdrawal. (Molintas, 2006).

For example, “directors of the National Institute on Drug Abuse have argued that addiction is a ‘chronic relapsing brain disease’” (Meurk, 2014) whereas, some individuals suggest that modifications to epigenetic of the genome, make up addiction and the biological response to addictive substances (Wong, 2011). In a 2012 study done in Queensland, Australia, 1263 residents filled out a Queensland Social Survey (QSS), a computer-assisted telephone interview (Meurk, 2014) which included a series of questions that were used to examine individuals beliefs about the causes of addiction (Meurk, 2014). Results showed that the majority of participants believed that addiction has multiple causes and participants also see addiction as a symptom (Meurk, 2014). Participants identified stress, psychological problems and addictive personalities as the main causes of addiction (Meurk, 2014). Recent research has shown that genetics also play a role in addiction. In recent twin studies, results have shown that genes contribute to vulnerability to alcohol dependence (Ducci, 2008). According to Harrawood, the brainstem is related to an individuals drug cravings. The brainstem is a major part of a person’s motivational system that controls one’s arousal and drives for basic needs (Harrawood, 2011). Addictive substances are recognized by the brain as more pleasurable than food or sex; therefore, the brain stem will now motivate an individual to

Since marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, it will be focused on, as well as alcohol. The short-term effects of marijuana include short-term memory and learning, so while under the influence, one can experience difficulty solving problems and a lack of judgment. A long-term effect of marijuana is brain development. Somebody who begins using it as a teenager may experience his learning functions deteriorate. Marijuana’s effect on this ability can last a long time, or even be permanent. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2015), a study showed that people who started smoking marijuana heavily in their teens and had an ongoing cannabis use disorder lost an average of eight IQ points between ages 13 and 38. The lost mental abilities did not fully return in those who quit marijuana as