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Bookcover - The Neuroscience of Addiction

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.