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drug addiction. ... Some psychologists and sociologists assert that animal studies do
not model the important psychological variables governing drug addiction. ...
Drug Addiction, What do you really know? Drug Addiction, What do you really
know? What you may or may not already know You probably ...
Drug Addiction In The Work Place. ... The adults who had children during this time
greatly influenced them with the sight of their drug addiction. ...
Drug Addiction In The Work Place. ... The adults who had children during this time
greatly influenced them with the sight of their drug addiction. ...
Psychoactive Drug Addiction. ... Also prescribed depressants which are used as pain
suppressants have a tendency to bring about drug addiction (Miller). ...
Submitted by oppapers on December 8, 2003
Category: American History
Words: 642 | Pages: 3
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Drug Addiction as a
Psychobiological Process
The emphasis is on biological mechanisms underlying addiction, although some other factors influencing drug addiction will also be discussed. The presentation is limited primarily to psychomotor stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine) and opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine) for two reasons. First, considerable knowledge has been gained during the past 15 years regarding the neurobiological mechanisms mediating their addictive properties. Second, these two pharmacological classes represent the best examples of potent addictive drugs, and the elucidation of their addiction potential can provide a framework for understanding abuse and addiction to other psychotropic agents.
Some psychologists and sociologists assert that animal studies do not model the important psychological variables governing drug addiction. They suggest that psychological processes critical in the etiology of addiction cannot be studied in animal models and/or that environmental influences important in producing an addiction cannot be duplicated in animal studies. This position is generally untenable, and animal models have been developed that accurately represent the primary processes involved in drug addiction. Support for the validity of these animal models will emanate from an understanding of the characteristics and the neural basis of drug addiction summarized in the following sections.
The arguments presented in the chapter are tenable, but they represent only one of several perspectives used in studying addiction. The terminology and even some aspects of the empirical data are the topics of scientific debate. The objective of this chapter is not to provide a balanced presentation of controversial issues, but rather to develop a unifying framework for understanding the psychobiological basis of addiction.
Concept of Addiction
Before proceeding with an examination of the mechanisms...
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