PSYU2236 W7 | Reward and Substance Abuse

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant limitation of the Dopamine Theory of Addiction?

It suggests that all individuals will become addicted.

It assumes environmental cues do not affect drug use.

It fails to recognize neurotransmitter involvement in addiction.

It overlooks the role of craving in addiction. (correct)

What percentage of rats typically exhibit a truly addictive phenotype?

50%

15% (correct)

25%

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with craving in addiction?

Glutamate (correct)

Dopamine

Serotonin

Norepinephrine

Which animal model is commonly used to study drug addiction?

Drug self-administration technique Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms can arise from drug addiction?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the current challenge regarding cravings in addiction treatment?

Effective pharmacotherapies to stop cravings are lacking. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of drug self-administration in animals, which drug has NOT been typically self-administered?

LSD Signup and view all the answers

Which brain areas are implicated in the learned associations related to craving?

Prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of dopamine in the context of addiction?

It facilitates the desire or 'wanting' for the drug. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement most accurately describes the concept of tolerance in substance abuse disorders?

It is characterized by a loss of effect from a drug after repeated use. Signup and view all the answers

How does the incentive-sensitization theory explain addiction?

It posits that the desire for drugs becomes greater than the actual pleasure derived from them. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the neuroadaptive changes that can occur in an individual with substance dependence?

Heightened anxiety and maladaptive behaviors due to drug use. Signup and view all the answers

Which route of drug administration typically leads to the fastest and most intense increase of dopamine in the brain?

Intravenous Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of the dopamine theory of addiction?

It does not account for the psychological aspects of addiction. Signup and view all the answers

Which pharmacological treatments are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of addiction?

Methadone and buprenorphine. Signup and view all the answers

Animal models of addiction are primarily used to study which aspect of substance use disorders?

Neuroadaptive changes resulting from drug exposure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the dopamine theory of addiction?

It fails to explain craving mechanisms in substance use. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain regions are noted for their involvement in addiction mechanisms?

Nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Signup and view all the answers

How do individual differences affect addiction susceptibility?

Personal life experiences can modify the risk of developing an addiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by animal models used in the study of addiction?

They help in understanding the biological basis of addiction disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these substances is most likely to result in rapid dopamine release?

Intravenous forms of drugs with fast administration. Signup and view all the answers

What role do glutamate transmissions play in addiction according to research?

They mediate relapse behaviors in cocaine addiction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes craving mechanisms in addiction?

They are linked to activation of memory circuits in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What does research say about pharmacological treatments for addiction-related symptoms?

They can reduce the symptoms associated with drug withdrawal. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individual Differences in Addiction

All abused drugs elevate dopamine transmission; however, only a small percentage of individuals develop addictions.
Among rats, a similar percentage become addicted, distinguished as high responders vs. low responders.
Approximately 15% of rats exhibit a genuine addictive phenotype.

Limitations of Dopamine Theory

Craving plays a significant role in addiction, with glutamate as the primary neurotransmitter involved.
Learned associations between environmental cues and drug use occur in the prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices.

Symptoms of Addiction

Symptoms include anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Pharmacotherapies are available for treatment, but effective methods to curb cravings remain limited.

Animal Models of Addiction

The drug self-administration method is a common technique, where animals (mice, rats, monkeys) self-administer various drugs, particularly cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, and nicotine.
Notably, drugs like LSD and THC are less commonly self-administered.
Rats can also self-administer alcohol and stimulate brain areas linked to reward.

Key Concepts in Addiction

Tolerance develops as the effect of the drug diminishes with repeated usage.
Withdrawal symptoms manifest when chronic drug use is halted.
Sensitization reflects an increased response to drugs post repeated administration, indicating long-term neuroadaptive changes influenced by drug use.

Incentive-Sensitization Theory of Addiction

Proposed by Terry Robinson and Kent Berridge in 1993, highlighting compulsive use and relapse.
Emphasizes a stark increase in 'wanting' drugs over 'liking' them, suggesting neurological adaptations that favor drug seeking rather than pleasure.

Role of Dopamine in Addiction

Substance addiction is defined by the speed and magnitude of dopamine increase in the nucleus accumbens, referred to as the "rush."
Factors affecting this include drug potency and route of administration: oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intranasal, inhalation, or intravenous.

Summary of Addiction Components

Drug addiction encompasses both psychological and physical elements.
Fast routes of administration significantly enhance dopamine levels, influencing addiction potential.
The dopamine theory has limitations; animal models and brain imaging reveal critical regions in addiction, including the nucleus accumbens, striatum, hippocampus, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, and prefrontal cortex.

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Description

Explore the fascinating concept of individual differences in addiction within the framework of substance use. Understand how various drugs elevate dopamine transmission, yet only a minority exhibit addictive behavior, as seen in both humans and animal studies. This quiz delves into the nuances of addiction phenotypes and responders.