NCJ Number
193004
Journal
Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: 2001 Pages: 23-40
Date Published
2001
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the issue of why some people are more likely to become addicted to drugs in comparison to others, through the use of Neurobiology.
Abstract
It was discovered through recent research that Dopamine structures that were originally considered to be “pleasure centers” because they were linked to motivation and wanting had nothing do with pleasure, but were independent from enjoyment. For instance, once an individual uses drugs continuously Dopamine structures are activated and reinforce constant want or need. Overall, it was concluded that motivated drug behavior could be explained by a physiological phenomenon, rather than a result of the so called “pleasure center” of the brain. Further, it was found that people who were "sensation-seeking" or had ADHD were more predisposed to drug addiction. It was also discovered that an individuals' environment played a crucial role in determining whether or not someone became addicted to drugs as well. Therefore, both of these groups should be targeted when designing treatment and prevention programs. The issue of relapse prevention was also addressed. References