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Alcohol’s influences on gray and white matter structures may explain in part differences seen in performance on cognitive tests in groups of individuals with different addictions [106, 107]. Upon this framework it is important to consider developmental changes in brain structure and function that occur naturally as people age [9, 55, 56]. For example, in rats, exposure to alcohol during adolescence increases risky or impulsive decision-making in adulthood [108]. These findings suggest that if adolescents consume alcohol, such consumption may lead to tendencies promoting alcohol consumption, generating a vicious cycle of addictive behavior.
As an extensive review of each of these models is beyond the scope of this manuscript, interested readers are directed to the references cited for additional aspects of each model. Additionally, theories of addiction as related to current neurobiological understandings are reviewed in chapters 2-5 of [34]. Teens are especially vulnerable to possible addiction because their brains are not yet fully developed—particularly the frontal regions that help with impulse control and assessing risk. Pleasure circuits in adolescent brains also operate in overdrive, making drug and alcohol use even more rewarding and enticing. It thus seems that, rather than negating a rationale for a disease view of addiction, the important implication of the polygenic nature of addiction risk is a very different one.
Journal of Adolescent Health
Epidemiological data are cited in support of the notion that large proportions of individuals achieve remission [27], frequently without any formal treatment [28, 29] and in some cases resuming low risk substance use [30]. For instance, based on data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) study [27], it has been pointed out that a significant proportion of people with an addictive disorder quit each year, and that most afflicted individuals ultimately remit. These spontaneous remission rates are argued to invalidate the concept of a chronic, relapsing disease [4].
People may have strong desires or urges to use the substance even if there are harmful or dangerous consequences. Often people won’t do what they are supposed to do at home, school or work as substance use gets in the way. In addition, with some substances including heroin, fentanyl and other opioids, a person may continue to use to avoid feeling sick (known as experiencing withdrawal symptoms). In comparison to the genetic perspective, the biological model defines addiction as something constant. According to the biological theorists, a person may be either addicted to something or not. The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago reported an analysis on disparities within admissions for substance abuse treatment in the Appalachian region, which comprises 13 states and 410 counties in the eastern part of the United States.
The Brain Disease Model of Addiction
Researchers will use brain scans and other tools to assess more than 10,000 youth over a 10-year span. The study will track the links between substance use and brain changes, academic achievement, IQ, thinking skills, and mental health over time. They’ve shown that addiction is a long-lasting and complex brain disease, and that current treatments can help people control their addictions. But even for those who’ve successfully quit, there’s always a risk of the addiction returning, which is called relapse. Methamphetamine Addiction presents a biopsychosocial perspective on this drug addiction, taking into account the biochemistry of the drug, the predispositions and behavioral patterns of the individual user, and the effects of the drug on the immediate and wider social environments of these drug users.
- It is not trivial to delineate the exact category of harmful substance use for which a label such as addiction is warranted (See Box 1).
- Some studies have shown that communities that offer healthy after-school activities, such as sports, drama, and other recreations, have fewer instances of drug use.
- However, it is also necessary to admit that genetic and biological models have certain differences which make some people believe in the power of one theory only.
- At this stage, the substance is reinforcing because it gives the individual a pleasurable sensation.
- Additionally, theories of addiction as related to current neurobiological understandings are reviewed in chapters 2-5 of [34].
This article will provide an overview of the sober house, looking at the key elements and how they interact to create an addictive cycle. It will also discuss the implications of this model for the treatment and prevention of addiction. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the science behind addiction and how you can use this knowledge to help yourself and others. According to the biological model, each person’s unique physiology and genetics causes addiction. People differ in the degree to which they like or dislike a particular addictive substance or activity. Some people may enjoy a substance or activity so much that it becomes very tempting and difficult to resist.