PSYC62H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Cue Reactivity, Seven-Segment Display, Reward System
Document Summary
Addiction alters brain and recovery can be a messy process. Develops over time and changes occur in function and structure that can persist long after individual stops taking drugs. Responsible for cognitive and emotional dysfunction that characterizes an addicted brain. Functions and looks differently from an individual who merely experimented with the drug or abuses the drug, but not clinically diagnosed. Relapse is an ongoing part of addiction cycle: frequently cycling through series of phases (drug taking/abstinence-short period/relapse-start taking drugs again) Individual able to maintain abstinence for months or years: drug free for many years and then suddenly relapse again, why are individuals so vulnerable after so many years of abstinence. Not that much different from parkinson"s. schizophrenia. Combine use of medications and behavioural therapy and access to social services, in order for treatment to be successful. No indication that medication will completely treat addiction: psychological side effects exist.
