HLTHAGE 2L03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Morphine, Spontaneous Remission
5 Sep 2018
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Document Summary
Addiction as disease and adaptation - sept 5th. Excessive consumption or behaviour is the result of an underlying biological disease. The sickness robs a person of their ability to have self-control. Addiction is judged on dependence, withdrawal, and tolerance. Once someone uses a drug for a while, the body begins to depend on the substance to reach equilibrium, entering withdrawal if it is taken away. Tolerance becomes higher when drug is taken over a long period of time. Progressive - using to feel normal", a downward spiral. Permanent - once an addict, always an addict. Denial - incapable of comprehending their circumstances. Susceptibility genetic differences in metabolism, tolerance, and sensitivity. An array of genes that increase risk; a predisposition to addiction. Genes don"t guide or initiate drug use, but may be significant in prolonging use. Genes may also have protective properties; resist drugs even when heavily exposed.
