Opponent Process Theory and Addiction

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Questions and Answers

What does the B process represent in the Opponent Process Theory?

The baseline state of the brain

The brain's initial response to a stimulus

The recovery from stimulus effects

The brain's response to the A process (correct)

In the Opponent Process Theory, the A process weakens while the B process strengthens.

True

Name the two processes involved in the Opponent Process Theory.

A process and B process

Repeated exposure to a stimulus leads to an increase in the magnitude and duration of the _____ process.

B Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of addiction according to the Opponent Process Theory?

Development of tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Match the stages of addiction with their corresponding brain areas:

Binge/Intoxication = Basal Ganglia (striatum) Withdrawal/Negative Affect = Limbic system (amygdala) Preoccupation/Anticipation = Prefrontal cortex Stress System = HPA axis Signup and view all the answers

The A process for alcohol consumption is anxiety relief.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the basal ganglia in the binge/intoxication stage of addiction?

It is part of the reward pathway. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of having fewer D2 receptors in the brain?

More pleasure from stimulants Signup and view all the answers

Dopamine is released in response to drugs rather than cues that predict their availability.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the PFC in addiction?

It is involved in executive function and decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

The process of forming associations between a drug and cues that predict its availability is called ___.

incentive salience Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pharmacotherapy treatments with their descriptions:

Agonist treatments = Replace the addictive drug with another that has a similar effect Partial Agonist treatments = Prevent withdrawal and cravings with a partial effect drug Antagonist Treatments = Block the effects of the addictive drug Aversive Treatments = Induce negative reactions to drug consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an antagonist treatment?

Disulfiram (Antabuse) Signup and view all the answers

Antidrug vaccines work by increasing the amount of the drug that reaches the brain.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Opponent Process Theory

Core Concept: Opponent process theory proposes that a response to a stimulus (A process) triggers an opposing response (B process).
A Process: The brain's initial response to a stimulus.
B Process: The opposing response to the A process. It increases in magnitude and duration with repeated exposure.
Adaptation: Repeated exposure weakens the A process and strengthens the B process.

Opponent Process Theory & Addiction

Tolerance: Develops as the A process adapts (metabolically, pharmacodynamically, behaiviourally).
Withdrawal: Occurs as the B process becomes stronger, creating opposite effects to the A process.
Example (Alcohol): The A process (initial effects) is relaxation and anxiety relief, but the B process (long-term/withdrawal effects) is anxiety.

Addiction's Brain Disease Model

Stages & Underlying Circuitry:
- Binge/Intoxication: Basal ganglia (striatum) and the reward pathway are involved; drug exposure releases dopamine.
- Withdrawal/Negative Affect: Limbic system (amygdala) and stress system (HPA axis) are active; anti-reward effects and negative mood occur.
- Preoccupation/Anticipation: Prefrontal cortex (PFC), stress system (HPA axis), basal ganglia, and insula are involved. Executive function is impaired, cravings increase.
Incentive Salience and Learning:
- Associations form between drugs and cues, strengthening basal ganglia's role in habit formation ("autopilot").
- Cues alone can trigger dopamine release and cravings.

Pharmacotherapy of Addiction

Agonist Treatments: Replace addictive drug with one having similar effects (e.g., methadone for heroin, nicotine patches for cigarettes).
Partial Agonist Treatments: Prevent withdrawal and cravings with a drug that partially activates the receptor (e.g., varenicline for nicotine).
Antagonist Treatments: Block the effects of the addictive drug (e.g., naloxone for heroin).
Aversive Treatments: Induce negative effects with the drug (e.g., disulfiram for alcohol).
Antidrug Vaccines: Introduce synthetic molecules to trigger antibodies, decreasing drug absorption.

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Description

Explore the concepts of opponent process theory and its relation to addiction in this quiz. Understand how initial responses to stimuli are met with opposing responses, and how this model explains tolerance and withdrawal, particularly in the context of substances like alcohol.