Pamphlet- physiology doc - Essay Example

The Physiology of Addictive behaviour Research has confirmed that the cause of addictive behaviour is not a single gene but a combination of several genetic factors. It is also interesting to know that addictive behavior can be present even before the drug usage habit is formed. The question that now arises is whether addictive behaviour is the result of host of genetic factors or is it the response to environmental factors. Another factor to be considered also is why the source of the behaviour not revealed during its prognosis.

“Once an individual begins using psychotropic substances such as cocaine or heroin, measurable changes in brain chemistry and physiology perpetuate the cycle of addiction.” 1 Addictive behavior may be the result of genetic factors even through there may be no contact between the generations through which it is perpetuated. “Genetic susceptibility to addiction is the result of the interaction of many genes.” 2 Again environmental factors like level of income, education, family status, crime record etc are also relevant factors in the matter.

But the significant point that emerges from the research studies is that brain physiology can significantly be altered due to ingestion of drugs. Drug addiction interferes with the natural cycle and brain circuits and ‘neural functions in such a way as to render brain circuits mediating various behavioural effects of these drugs more or less, responsive to those effects.” 3Serotonin and norepinephrine are considered to be drugs which elevate moods and alters the brain pattern to produce pleasurable sensations.

Serotonin is considered to be major mood enhancer and is one of the main constituent in addictive drug groups. The effects of drugs are particularly marked in adolescent years. It is during these teenage years that the frontal cortex of the brain develops during this time, “a neural network that malfunctions as a consequence of chronic drug-taking, including the prefrontal cortex,” 4 which develops reasoning powers, mental personality development and confidence. The usage of mood enhancing drugs interferes with the natural development of the brain and the prolonged use could cause maldevelopment and stunted growth of this significant part of the brain.

Drug addiction could be termed as a “chronically relapsing disorder” in which the drug addict has an uncontrollable frenzy to consume drugs. 5 It has been found that addiction interferes with the addicts mental and physical health, impairs his judgment and decision making abilities and could be major cause for the tendency for self harm and suicidal traits.” Drugs can affect the brain and the body so dramatically that an overly large doze can actually kill the user.” 6 Therefore, it is necessary to explore the difference between drug usage and addiction and also research the causes between the transition between drug taking and drug addiction and find long term solutions Although research has confirmed a positive correlation between drug addiction, genetic influence and environmental factors, the fact whether addiction is a significant variation from neurobiological malfunctioning or whether it is the result of evolutionary failure, or simply, the brain’s response to chemical imbalances that need to be set right, has now become a subject matter of intense research studies.

Works CitedWhite, Francis. J. 2002. A Behavioral/Systems Approach to the Neuroscience of Drug Addiction. Article. http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/full/22/9/3303 (accessed May3, 2007).Hanson, Glen. 2007. Drugs alter the brain’s Reward pathway. The Physiology of the High. Learn.Genetics. University of Utah. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/drugs/index.cfm (accessed May3, 2007).Grand, Steven. Ph.D. 2000. Cognitive Neuroscience & Drug Addiction: Primed for Interaction. National Institute of Drug abuse: http://www.nida.nih.

gov/MeetSum/CNS_symp.html (accessed May3, 2007).Huson, Glen. 2007. Genetics is an important factor in Addiction. Susceptibility Does not Mean Inevitablity. Learn. Genetics: University of Utah 2007: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/genetics/ (accessed May3, 2007).Patzelt, Julia. 1994. Drug Addiction: Which comes from the First- Brain or Behavior- and Does it Matter? Serendip. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro06/web1/jpatzelt.html (accessed May3, 2007).