The Science of Addiction

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco Unit

Introducing your Brain!!

The Human Brain Command center of the body Controls everything you do Weight – about 3 pounds

Drugs and the Brain Interrupt how it works Change how the brain performs Changes can lead to compulsive drug

use (aka = addiction)

Drug Abuse and the Brain Affects 3 primary areas:

Brain Stem (breathing, circulation, digestion, muscle movement)

Limbic system (emotional responses, pleasure feelings)

Cerebral cortex (decision-making, senses; ¾ of our entire brain)

How Does the Brain Communicate? Communication network – billions of

nerve cells interconnected1. Neurons (nerve cells that send and

receive messages)2. Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers

that help to send messages)3. Receptors (allow neurotransmitters to

send messages correctly)4. Transporters (recycle transmitters and

shut off connection between neurons)

To send a message, a brain cell releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) into the space separating two cells, called the synapse. The neurotransmitter crosses the synapse and attaches to proteins (receptors) on the receiving brain cell. This causes changes in the receiving brain cell, and the message is delivered.

What Do Drugs Do to the Brain? Chemicals – tap into communication

system and interfere with nerve cells Different drugs work differently

All drugs of abuse (nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, narcotics, etc.) affect the brain’s “reward” circuit – part of limbic system

What Do Drugs Do to the Brain? Normal reward circuit

Responds to pleasurable experiences Neurotransmitter = dopamine

Drugs hijack this system Causes unusual amounts of dopamine to flood

the system Can last longer when compared to what

happens through a natural/normal reward stimulates dopamine

Flood of dopamine = “high” or euphoria with drug abuse

How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?

How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?

Think about how you feel when something good happens…

Limbic system at work Natural pleasures in lives are

necessary for survival Limbic system drives you to seek out

those things

How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?

1st time drug user Unnaturally intense feelings of pleasure Reward circuit activated – dopamine release

Brain starts changing Neurons sense more than enough dopamine Reduce number of dopamine receptors or

make less dopamine Neurons die off from toxicity of drugs

How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?

Results Dopamine’s ability to cause pleasure is

severely weakened Person feels flat, lifeless, depressed Person needs drugs now just to bring

dopamine levels up to normal Large amounts of drug needed to create

dopamine flood or “high” Effect known as “tolerance”

How Does Someone Become Addicted to Drugs?

Brain changes Drive person to seek out and use drugs

compulsively, despite negative consequences

AKA = Addiction

How Many Times Does It Take to Become Addicted?

Can’t predict Factors that affect addiction:

Genetic makeup Environment

Is Drug Addiction Voluntary? Starts out as voluntary As drug use continues, it goes from

voluntary use to compulsive use Why?

Changes in how the brain functions Impairs ability to think clearly, feel okay

without drugs, and to control your behaviors

Are There Effective Treatment Methods?

Addiction is treatable, but often a chronic disease

People can learn to manage their disease Medications Behavior-based therapies Vary from person to person

Long-term treatment is often needed Setbacks are likely

How Do I Know if Someone Has a Drug Problem?

Questions to assess whether or not a person has a drug problem:

1. Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone (including yourself) who had been using alcohol or drugs?

2. Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax, to feel better about yourself, or to fit in?

3. Do you ever use alcohol or drugs when you are alone?4. Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol

or drugs?5. Do family or friends ever tell you to cut down on your

use of alcohol or drugs?6. Have you ever gotten into trouble while you were

using alcohol or drugs?

Resources teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/

facts_brain2.php Google Images