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Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

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    #1

    Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

    "Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction"

    I was doing research for a school project and came across this publication from the (US) National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you scroll down the page, there is a pdf download that is even better as far as presentation than the web article (which is multiple pages).

    When I first came to MWO knowing I had some sort of AL problem, I really knew little to nothing about addiction itself. So maybe some of you will find this article interesting. Also, I see a lot of people who have significant others in their life who don't understand addiction. The spouses who say "well, why don't you just stop after 2?" The parents who say "why don't you just quit then?" The people who don't understand that as addicts, it is different for us than it is for a normal drinker.

    Other drugs are mentioned but alcohol and nicotine are both drugs, and are included in the presentation.

    Enjoy..

    DG
    Sobriety Date = 5/22/08
    Nicotine Free Date = 2/27/07

    One day at a time.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

    thanks

    Thanks for posting that Doggy Girl. Doesn't seem to be much mention of 12 step programs. That's interesting. There's more of a focus on medication too, I think that's more common for drug addiction.

    Comment

      #3
      Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

      This is a subject (science of addiction etc) that we should talk more about here generally i reckon. Understanding how our brain/body chemistry works when drinking and when healing, is very helpful i find.

      Thank's DG. :goodjob:

      'I am part of all that I have met, yet all experience is an arch wherethro', gleams that untravelled world whose margins fade, forever and forever when I move'

      Zen soul Warrior. Freedom today-

      Comment

        #4
        Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

        I thought you said the 'science of addition' there for a minute!
        One day at a time.. Sometimes it's one minute or one second at a time.. Most important thing is to look ahead and don't look back!

        Comment

          #5
          Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

          Guitarista;1199172 wrote: This is a subject (science of addiction etc) that we should talk more about here generally i reckon. Understanding how our brain/body chemistry works when drinking and when healing, is very helpful i find.
          I will try to do a better job of posting this sort of stuff that turns up in the school work. It's easy to assume everyone else has already seen it, and that I'm behind on it! :H

          DG
          Sobriety Date = 5/22/08
          Nicotine Free Date = 2/27/07

          One day at a time.

          Comment

            #6
            Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

            Doggygirl;1199703 wrote: I will try to do a better job of posting this sort of stuff that turns up in the school work. It's easy to assume everyone else has already seen it, and that I'm behind on it! :H

            DG
            No worries DG. You're doing a great job as is.

            Your efforts are much appreciated.

            'I am part of all that I have met, yet all experience is an arch wherethro', gleams that untravelled world whose margins fade, forever and forever when I move'

            Zen soul Warrior. Freedom today-

            Comment

              #7
              Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

              nancy;1199129 wrote: Thanks for posting that Doggy Girl. Doesn't seem to be much mention of 12 step programs. That's interesting. There's more of a focus on medication too, I think that's more common for drug addiction.
              In all of my classes so far, alcohol is discussed as a drug along with street drugs, prescription drugs, club drugs, nicotine and caffeine. So far my teachers all have 25+ years working in the field of addiction treatment - i.e. not "professional teachers."

              DG
              Sobriety Date = 5/22/08
              Nicotine Free Date = 2/27/07

              One day at a time.

              Comment

                #8
                Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                Doggygirl;1199703 wrote: It's easy to assume everyone else has already seen it, and that I'm behind on it! :H

                DG
                I do that all the time DG. It's hard to know what some else knows eh.
                I think it's a fascinating subject, the brain and addiction and all it's influences. I look forward to reading when I can. :goodjob:
                Psalms 119:45


                ?Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.?

                St. Francis of Assisi



                I'm not perfect, never will be, but better than I was and not as good as I'm going to be.

                :rays:

                Comment

                  #9
                  Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                  DG, maybe I am going out on a limb, but I'd venture to say that most of the information you have to share is new to most readers here. Most people here are not actively researching this stuff on a regular basis. So, I think what you are sharing is helpful.

                  Where are you taking your classes through (if you care to say)? Is it an online program or something else?

                  Best of luck to you!

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                    good information vs. bad

                    I think self-help books ignore it or they make up their own science. That was one major downside for me about Alan Carr's book about quitting drinking, it almost totally focused on behavior and society.

                    I have read about the science of it but how do you know you get it from a good source? I like that DG sent something referenced to NIDA. They didn't fully explain the dopamine issue but it's a start.

                    Keep it up DG!

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                      CS04;1199780 wrote: Where are you taking your classes through (if you care to say)? Is it an online program or something else?
                      I am pursuing certified counselor status through the State of Illinois. Some schools have a recognized program through this certification organization and I'm attending one of those programs. Even though I already have and unrelated BS degree (Marketing), I will end up with an Associates Degree in Addiction Studies. It's working out so far that about 1/3 or my classroom work is on-line and 2/3 in person. I like in person way better - far more interaction with the teachers. Nothing can replace the wisdom of all that experience. The first year is all classroom (a year assuming full time). The third semester is part classroom and the beginning of internship. Then the last semester is almost all internship.

                      Lots of students who are 29 in my classes. (in my case, 53 is the new 29)

                      Best of luck to you!
                      Thanks!!!

                      Nancy, since you mentioned your view of NIDA as a credible source, I thought you might be interested in googling this lady - Dr. Nora Volkow. NIDA - About NIDA - Welcome

                      She has been a participant in several films in class related to addiction that are very interesting. I'm thinking there is stuff on the web too where you can listen to what she has to say. The movies in class were HBO specials, I think. Not sure if those are available anywhere for free. I jotted her name down just last week to try to find more that she has said/written.

                      DG
                      Sobriety Date = 5/22/08
                      Nicotine Free Date = 2/27/07

                      One day at a time.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                        DG, I can't stop thinking about your 'dual disorders' class/theory, and how it rings so true for me. I only wish I had been able to learn all this twenty years ago before I descended into hell.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                          Bruunhilde;1200324 wrote: DG, I can't stop thinking about your 'dual disorders' class/theory, and how it rings so true for me. I only wish I had been able to learn all this twenty years ago before I descended into hell.
                          I know what you mean about sometimes mourning the time that has been lost. :l The only way I've found around that is to embrace today, and not lose any MORE time to this addiction by continuing to mourn yesterdays losses. If that makes any sense.

                          DG

                          Bruun - have you even seen a psychiatrist who also specializes in addiction who might be able to help? I know we do a decent job around here helping each other (for a bunch of amateurs). But I would imagine the right professional could be invaluable....just curious. (and it's OK to tell me that 's none of my business!)
                          Sobriety Date = 5/22/08
                          Nicotine Free Date = 2/27/07

                          One day at a time.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                            "Work In Progress" posted some of this information, and I think it is still available in the Toolbox, under monthly abstinence. She was my reality check here at MWO, her information helped me more than about anything. She was an experienced additions counselor.
                            My life is better without alcohol, since 9/1/12. My sobriety tool is the list at permalink 236 on the toolbox thread under monthly abstinance.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Drugs, Brains and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

                              Hey DG

                              Really good article! For me it helps to know
                              what exactly is going on. I work in clinical
                              imaging and have seen many PET scans of
                              normal/ abnormal brains.
                              I had a lot of self-loathing that went into my picture
                              so I'm getting over that as well.
                              Instead of looking in the mirror and thinking
                              " You're not that bad ...maybe" I'm learning
                              to think I'm pretty ok after all.
                              Thanks!

                              Comment

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