The Neuroscience of Addiction
by Maria Filbey
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Preface
1990s decade of the brain => advances in addiction Neuroscience research, book tries to organize that
Approach
Goal is to explain addiction and it's Neuroscience to non experts.
Coverage and Organization
First groundwork, then more in depth. Also chapter introducing the methodology - the tools used in Neuroscience. Closing with overview chapter.
Features
Lots of figures + summaries
Chapter 1 - What Is Addiction?
Introduction
12.4% of all deaths are related to drug use.
Affects everyone. Adolescents 12-29 more than adults though.
Addiction is a brain disease because it changes the brain pervasively, pathologically and persistently. When addicted your live and brain are changed for the worse, in their entirety, for a long time => disease.
Brain maturation increases the percentage of total gray matter.
Addiction is diagnosed with a survey (DSM or ICD)
The Phenomenology of Substance Use Disorders
If you keep doing something, even though it damages or hurts you, you are likely addicted.
Addictions destroy lives.
Addictions begin with something pleasurable that is sought out over and over again because of how pleasurable it is.
The Demography of Addiction
Young, male, and low socioeconomic status => more likely to be drug addicted
Idea: Cause vs. Effect of this?
The Stigma of Addiction
Historically, addiction = disorder of free will
Social factors contribute to addiction, but are not enough to treat the problem entirely.
10% of drinking population develops addiction
Idea: Maybe there is something about brain structure that is different in those 10%? What could that be?
The Diagnosis of Addiction
SUD - Substance Use Disorder
Attachment of new section for non substance related addictions to DSM.
A Brain Disease Model of Addiction
Animals self administer drugs until they die.
Progression from "liking" a drug to "wanting" or "needing" a drug.
Animals learn to prefer the circumstances where they would get the drug.
Different drugs work differently.
Opioids bind Mu receptors of the brain => euphoria, sedation, tranquility. Mice lacking mu receptors can't become addicted to opioids.
Cannabis binds cannabinoid (CB1) receptors.
Sense of well being. Slowing of cognitive function.