Cycle Of Addiction

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The cycle of addiction and relapse has prominent physiological effects on the brain. In order to understand the concepts underlying addiction and relapse, it is crucial to understand its neurological basis (Koob & Volkow, 2010). Addiction entails the obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors involved in craving, obtaining, and taking drugs or other substances and engaging in behaviors resulting in negative consequences (Koob & Volkow, 2010). Addiction affects various neurotransmitters in the brain by altering the chemistry of the brain (Fox, Hong, Siedlarz, & Sinha, 2008). In addition to addiction, these changes initiate tolerance and withdrawal while inducing cravings (Christie, 2008). The cycle of addiction and relapse is characterized …show more content…
Generally these changes begin with alterations of the mesolimbic dopamine system the prompts neuroadaptations in both the dorsal and ventral striatum (Koob & Volkow, 2010). In turn, this creates problems with the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala (Koob & Volkow, 2010). Patterns of neuroadaptations are dependent on the effects of different drugs (Koob & Volkow, 2010). These drugs alter the normal function and structure of the brain which, in turn, produces cognitive distortions that reinforce the continued use of drugs through faulty learning (Stanford, 2009). This maladaptive learning impedes an individual’s ability to learn and adapt new behaviors that reinforce abstinence (Stanford, …show more content…
Cue Induced stimuli have been associated with the triggering of stress in the brain (Fox, Hong, Siedlarz, & Sinha, 2008). These stimuli have pre-existing patterns of correlation with alcohol and other drugs (Fox, Hong, Siedlarz, & Sinha, 2008). Stress is a formidable predictor for relapsing to drugs or alcohol (Fox, Hong, Siedlarz, & Sinha, 2008). Stress cues cause craving and behaviors associated with drug seeking during periods of abstinence (Fox, Hong, Siedlarz, & Sinha, 2008). Stressors include the negative emotions of sadness, fear, anger, and hopelessness or helplessness. It is important to note that there is help in the areas of drug induced, cue induced, and stress induced behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy assist individuals in recognizing and avoiding situations, people, places, and things, which might elicit feeling or behaviors associated with drug use (NIDA, 2009). In addition, motivational interviewing is helpful in assessing and encouraging an individual’s readiness to change behaviors (NIDA, 2009). There are several promising drug therapies available. Drug therapies to treat opiate addicts include Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone (NIDA, 2009). In addition, there are some promising therapies for alcoholics, Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Topiramate, and Disulfiram (NIDA,
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