The dopamine hypothesis suggests that drug addiction may be caused by a dopamine deficiency in the brain. This means that drugs may increase dopamine levels, leading to addiction.

Study Notes

Drug abuse has a significant social cost, accounting for a third of hospital admissions, a quarter of deaths, and a majority of serious crimes
The U.S. has been waging a war on drugs for 25 years with little success
Addiction is a disorder of the brain, no different from other forms of mental illness
The dopamine hypothesis suggests that drug addiction may be caused by a dopamine deficiency
Abstinence can reverse the physical and psychological damage caused by drugs
Genes and social forces may contribute to addiction, but they do not doom people to remain addicts
Rafael Rios, who grew up in a drug-infested area, was able to kick his addiction and is now the executive director of a chain of residential facilities for recovering addicts
Cigarettes contribute to cancer and heart disease deaths
Alcohol is the leading cause of domestic violence and highway deaths
The combined medical and social costs of drug abuse in the U.S. exceed $240 billion.

Test your knowledge on the harmful effects of drug abuse, addiction, and substance use disorders with this informative quiz. Learn about the social and economic impact of drug addiction, the neuroscience behind addiction, and the importance of abstinence and recovery. Discover how genes, social forces, and personal choice can influence addiction and how individuals can overcome addiction with the right support. Plus, explore the effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs on health and society. Take this quiz to gain a better understanding of the dangers of