Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is addiction defined as?
What is addiction defined as?
A chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
Why is addiction considered a brain disease?
Why is addiction considered a brain disease?
Because drugs change the brain's structure and how it functions.
What do most abused drugs initially produce?
What do most abused drugs initially produce?
Intense feelings of pleasure.
What feelings are followed by the initial euphoria caused by stimulants like cocaine?
What feelings are followed by the initial euphoria caused by stimulants like cocaine?
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What feelings are followed by the euphoria caused by opiates such as heroin?
What feelings are followed by the euphoria caused by opiates such as heroin?
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Why do some people begin abusing drugs?
Why do some people begin abusing drugs?
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What role does pressure to enhance cognitive or athletic performance play in drug abuse?
What role does pressure to enhance cognitive or athletic performance play in drug abuse?
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Why are adolescents particularly vulnerable to drug abuse?
Why are adolescents particularly vulnerable to drug abuse?
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Study Notes
Definition of Addiction
- Addiction is characterized as a chronic, relapsing disorder marked by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
Addiction as a Brain Disease
- Recognized as a brain disease because it alters brain structure and function, affecting areas that control judgment, decision-making, and impulse control.
Initial Effects of Most Abused Drugs
- Most abused drugs initially produce feelings of euphoria, leading to a reinforcing cycle that encourages repeated use.
Feelings Following Stimulant Euphoria
- After the initial euphoria from stimulants like cocaine, users often experience feelings of anxiety, agitation, and depression, contributing to continued drug use to avoid negative emotions.
Feelings Following Opiate Euphoria
- The euphoria from opiates such as heroin is typically followed by relaxation and sedation, but can lead to withdrawal symptoms and increased dependency.
Reasons for Drug Abuse Initiation
- Individuals may begin abusing drugs to cope with stress, escape reality, or due to social influence, experimentation, or mental health issues.
Cognitive and Athletic Performance Pressure
- Societal and personal pressure to enhance cognitive or athletic performance can drive individuals, especially students and athletes, to misuse drugs, viewing them as tools for success.
Vulnerability of Adolescents to Drug Abuse
- Adolescents are particularly susceptible to drug abuse due to ongoing brain development, peer influence, and increased risk-taking behaviors, making them more likely to engage in substance use.
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Description
Test your knowledge on addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that leads to compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Explore how drugs change the brain's structure and functioning, leading to long-lasting effects and harmful behaviors.
