PSYU2236 W7 | Substance Use - Individual Differences

Questions and Answers

What primarily determines the addictive potential of a substance in relation to dopamine?

The cost of the drug

The potency and route of administration (correct)

The color of the drug

The legality of the substance

Which process describes the brain's adjustment leading to a higher response to a drug after repeated use?

Reconditioning

Sensitization (correct)

Accommodation

Desensitization

The incentive-sensitization theory suggests a dominant role of which component in addiction?

Liking of the drug

Wanting of the drug (correct)

Avoidance of the drug

Control of drug use

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in craving according to the limitations of the Dopamine Theory of Addiction?

Glutamate Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the brain regions involved in motivation and reward as a result of addiction?

They become hypersensitive Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of rats exhibit a truly addictive phenotype?

15% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms can arise from drug addiction?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a route of administration mentioned that affects the speed of dopamine increase?

Sublingual Signup and view all the answers

Chronic drug use can lead to which of the following adaptations in the brain?

Long-term neuroadaptations that support maladaptive behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which animal model technique is commonly used to study drug addiction?

Drug self-administration Signup and view all the answers

Which of these animals is NOT typically used in drug self-administration studies?

Cats Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as the loss of effect of a drug with repeated administration?

Tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is directly associated with the subjective experience of drug 'liking' over time?

Altered brain circuitry Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge in treating cravings for drugs of abuse?

Lack of pharmacotherapies Signup and view all the answers

Which brain areas are related to craving through learned associations with environmental cues?

Prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is generally NOT self-administered by rats in addiction studies?

LSD Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Which brain region is NOT typically associated with addiction?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

How do individual differences affect addiction susceptibility?

Genetic factors can influence drug response and metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

Animal models are utilized in addiction research primarily to study what aspect?

Behavioral aspects of addiction and drug-seeking behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is believed to be triggered during craving episodes in addiction?

Activation of memory circuits related to substance use. Signup and view all the answers

Which pharmacological treatment might specifically target the glutamate transmission in addiction?

Glutamate antagonists Signup and view all the answers

What is one key factor that can enhance the addictive nature of substances?

Rapid administration routes to the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between dopamine and addiction?

Dopamine is involved in the reward system linked to addiction but is not the only neurotransmitter at play. 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 concept of individual differences in relation to substance use and addiction. This quiz examines how dopamine transmission affects addiction rates among individuals and the significance of high responders versus low responders in both humans and rats. Delve into the biological and psychological factors that contribute to addiction susceptibility.