The Science of Addiction: Genetics and the Brain

The Reward Pathway

What is the central job of the reward pathway?

 

 

 

 

 

When the five senses let the brain know that the body is eating some good tasting food and the stomach is filling up, special neurons in the reward pathway release the chemical ___________. This gives you a little jolt of pleasure. ThatÕs your reward for eating the sandwich.

 

In addition to making you feel good when you engage in beneficial behavior, the reward pathway is responsible for trying to make sure you repeat the behavior whenever possible. It does this by connecting to regions of the brain that control _____________________ and _____________.

 

 

Drugs of Abuse

What are some of the effects of alcohol impairment?

 

 

 

What are anabolic steroids? Are they physically addictive?

 

 

 

Is cocaine a stimulant or a depressant? What dangers are associated with its use?

 

 

 

Is PCP a stimulant or a depressant? What dangers are associated with its use?

 

 

 

Is GHB a stimulant or a depressant? What dangers are associated with its use?

 

 

 

Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations Š distortions in perception of _______________ and ____________ .

 

 

What are the symptoms of withdrawal from heroine?

 

 

 

What are two side effects of inhalant use?

 

 

 

What is the effect of marijuana use?

 

 

 

What are the risks to users of MDMA?

 

 

 

What symptoms may develop in chronic users of methamphetamine?

 

 

 

Is nicotine a stimulant or a depressant?

 

 

 

Is nicotine addictive?

 

 

 

What health effects does nicotine present to long term users?

 

 

 

Drug Use Changes the Brain Over Time

 

How does drug use change the brain over time?