Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which brain structure is primarily involved in the binge/intoxication stage of addiction?
Which brain structure is primarily involved in the binge/intoxication stage of addiction?
Dopamine is only released in response to drug intake and not to cues associated with the drug.
Dopamine is only released in response to drug intake and not to cues associated with the drug.
False
What is hypofrontality and how does it relate to addiction?
What is hypofrontality and how does it relate to addiction?
Hypofrontality is the impairment of executive function due to drug use, affecting decision-making ability.
The _____ system is activated during the withdrawal/negative affect stage, increasing negative mood.
The _____ system is activated during the withdrawal/negative affect stage, increasing negative mood.
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Match the addiction stage with its corresponding brain structure:
Match the addiction stage with its corresponding brain structure:
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Study Notes
Binge/Intoxication Stage
- Reward Pathway Activation: Drug exposure initially releases dopamine in the reward pathway, which leads to pleasurable sensations.
- Basal Ganglia (Striatum): The basal ganglia, specifically the striatum, is central in this stage.
- Reward Deficiency Hypothesis: Some individuals may have fewer dopamine D2 receptors, making them more susceptible to pleasure from stimulant drugs.
- Incentive Salience: Drug use forms associations between the drug and cues predicting its availability, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behaviour (habit formation).
Withdrawal/Negative Affect Stage
- Limbic System (Amygdala): Negative emotions are governed by the limbic system.
- Stress System (HPA Axis): The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes activated causing stress, resulting in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
- Desensitized Reward Pathways: The reward pathway becomes less responsive to positive stimuli, including natural rewards.
- Negative Mood Changes: The amygdala and HPA axis activation lead to heightened negative mood during withdrawal.
Preoccupation/Anticipation Stage
- Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): The prefrontal cortex (PFC), which controls decision-making and executive function, is significantly affected.
- Impaired Executive Function: Drug use leads to hypofrontality, impairing the user's ability to make rational choices and self-regulate.
- Basal Ganglia (Habitual): The activation patterns in the basal ganglia remain from the prior stage leading to compulsive drug-seeking behaviour.
- Stress System (HPA Axis): The stress system (HPA axis) remains active during this stage, further fueling cravings.
- Insula Activation: The insula, responsible for interoception, detects and amplifies the cravings for substances.
- Sensitized Drug Cues: The PFC is now overly responsive to drug-related cues, intensifying cravings.
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Description
Explore the stages of addiction, including the Binge/Intoxication and Withdrawal/Negative Affect stages. This quiz covers key concepts such as reward pathway activation, the role of the basal ganglia, and the impact of stress on emotions. Test your understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in addiction.
