The effect of recreational drugs Flashcards
how was addiction viewed before bio explanations?
viewed as morally flawed, with a lack of willpower
what is addiction?
a compulsive need to engage in a behaviour or use a substance despite negative consequences due to psychical/psychological dependence
which brain pathway is associated with addiction?
mesolithic pathway (the reward pathway)
which NT is associated with addiction?
dopamine
what happens when the brain is flooded with dopamine?
creates intense feelings of pleasure and reward - reinforcing behaviours which may lead to addiction as the brain craves more of the pleasurable experience
what is tolerance?
when a person needs a larger dose of a substance to achieve the same effect because their body has adapted to it
what three areas impact addiction?
- genetics
- development
- environment
