Lecture 18: Addiction

Question 1

Reinforcement

Answer 1

Process by which an event increases the probability of a given response
- Pos reinforcement: use drugs to feel relaxed
- Neg reinforcement: use drugs not to feel withdrawal symptoms
During addiction there is a shift from pos to neg reinforcement
- Habit: impact of a conditioned neg and pos reinforcement

Question 2

Tolerance

Answer 2

• Same amount of drug wont cause same effect
• Brain doesn’t like over stimulation
• > neuronal changes
• changes in receptor populations
• desensitisation og receptors
• changes in signalling pws

Question 3

Criteria for Substance Dependence

Answer 3

• Larger amounts or longer period than intended
• Persistent desire or inability to cut down
• Craving
• Failure to fulfil major obligations

Question 4

Stimulants

Answer 4

• amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine

Question 5

Depressants

Answer 5

• heroin, alcohol

Question 6

Hallucinogens

Answer 6

• LSD

Question 7

Drugs of Abuse

Answer 7

• All reinforces

- increase dopamine in mesolimbic dopamine pw (either indirectly or directly): involves VTA, NA and FC

Question 8

Addition cycle

Answer 8

Use/intoxication -> withdrawal -> craving

- each stage involves discrete neuronal circuits

Question 9

All brain areas involved

Answer 9

• VTA
• FC
• NA
• Amygdala
• hippocampus