DRUGS, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR: THE SCIENCE OF ADDICTION (2 CE)

Course overview

As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior. We have identified many of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Scientists use this knowledge to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches that reduce the toll drug abuse takes on individuals, families and communities. Despite these advances, many people today do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. This booklet aims to fill that knowledge gap by providing scientific information about the disease of drug addiction, including many of the harmful consequences of drug abuse and the basic approaches that have been developed to prevent and treat the disease. Nora D. Volkow, M.D. Director National Institute on Drug Abuse April 2007 Learning Objectives: 1. Delineate the definition of addiction - chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. 2. Distinguish the four reasons that people begin taking drugs-to feel good, to feel better, to do better, curiosity and peer pressure. 3. Specify the factors that can lead to drug addiction and the consequences of use- biological, environmental, genetic, early use, methods of administration. 4. Distinguish the major approaches to drug treatment-cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational incentives, motivational interviewing, group therapy.