PSYCH 212 Lecture Notes - Lecture 43: Mesolimbic Pathway, Endorphins, Dsm-5
Document Summary
Alcohol may directly activate reward pathway (increase dopamine) Gaba stops/slows nt in the postsynaptic cell. Alcohol may decrease the gaba that stops dopamine transmission. Those with aud have fewer dopamine receptors. They are under-stimulated and use alcohol/drugs to compensate. Natural opioids produced by the brain itself. Aud may be associated with overreaction of the endogenous opioid system in response to alcohol. Drugs blocking endorphin receptors less use of alcohol. Report the high or buzz of drinking is lower when taking endorphin blockers. Expectancy effects: expectations of how alcohol or drugs will affect you can produce that effect. The placebo effect applies to alcohol and drugs. Subjects given water but told it"s alcohol. Those with the most positive expectations for alcohol are at higher risk of aud. Especially if expectations exist early in life, even before first consumption. Media portrayal, peer attitudes, and parental behavior can all influence alcohol expectations and model use and behavior.
