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  • Essay / Biological Basis of Addiction

    Table of ContentsIntroductionHuman BrainDrug AddictionBrain ProcessDopamineBehavioral Problem of Drug UseUnderstanding the Addiction ProcessThe Circuits of the Brain Reward SystemReward Versus RiskHuman BrainIntroductionAddiction has a huge impact on people's lives, especially in how it affects their lives. Additionally, it also affects their families, as it tends to put relationships at risk due to the behavioral problems described by people with addictions. It is important to identify that substance abuse is one of the major contributors to job loss because it affects people's performance and their ability to fully perform their daily activities, as these people lose control over their behaviors. Although the expenses associated with purchasing medicines can be high, this does not prevent individuals from accessing these medicines, further increasing their consumption. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The individual's tendency or inability to restrain themselves due to access to drugs poses a major threat to their health and relationships with others. Cases of relapse are often evident, making it difficult to manage drug use, raising the importance of the biological approach to addiction. Even though individuals are aware of the dangers these drugs pose to the human brain, they are unable to adopt the new mechanism to resist these drugs since the brain activity is highly compromised. As a result, the functioning of the therapeutic process is greatly affected due to the inability of personalities to respond to changes that in some way can affect the functioning of the brain. The main challenge of addiction is developing an understanding related to addiction and neurobiology and examining the relationships of their individuals. This helps ensure that a person's mind is able to respond to the urge to take the drug by creating resistance in the human brain. The process of addiction in relation to biology makes it difficult for the brain process to reject the urge to take drugs, especially during the therapeutic process and the need to eliminate cases of relapse.Human brainThe three parts which are often affected by addiction or abuse Among medications are the brainstem, limbic system, and cortex, which play different roles. Brain functions such as sleep, breathing and heart rate are normally regulated by brainstem function. On the other hand, the decision-making process, the ability to identify and solve problems, the planning process, thinking, taste, hearing, sensation as well as the ability to see normally fall under the cortex cerebral. The part responsible for the reward system is the limbic system (Kalant, 2010). Therefore, the tendency of individuals to feel good is regulated by this part and this however helps a person to ensure that the duplication of activities is done as it helps individuals to survive. As a result, other activities, ranging from the ability to interact with others to food consumption, emanate from the limbic system. However, the system is also prone to drug abuse cases. Additionally, drug addiction affects the limbic system, thereby adjusting the emotions of individuals. Nerve cells or neurons dictate the actions of the human brain as they transmit information from one part to another. Drug addictionDrug addiction normally affects the brain's communication process by altering the functioning of neurons in the brain. As a result, the normal process of communication is interrupted, making it difficult for a person to respond to the reward system. Additionally, neurotransmitters are essential for communication and the ability of most drugs to mimic the system helps trigger the communication process even though in this case negative messages are conveyed. Neurotransmitters in the brain (dopamine) can be released in higher quality, especially with increased drug use, which affects the normal switching process since their overall flow is limited. Drug addiction emanates from the contamination of the brain's reward system or the limbic system which controls a person's ability to respond to various activities. The rewards system allows a person to access benefits as well as risks before engaging in certain activities. Due to drug dependence, the user is unable to respond to the negative impact of the drug, as the system has the ability to trigger aspects of the feeling of pleasure and, therefore, motivate individuals to continue to use drugs. Therefore, by altering the brain's reward system, the human brain is unable to respond to the urge to take drugs, even knowing that such mats will negatively impact people's lives (Caulkins, Reuter and Coulson , 2011). Constant drug use often triggers the limbic system, causing the individual's brain system to register that such actions are necessary. The human brain's reward system helps a person make necessary adjustments because it provides the brain with information that the activities a person engages in are necessary for success or survival. Therefore, the addiction process creates a scenario in which the brain motivates a person to continue using drugs because the brain cannot identify the risks and rewards of such actions. Since the brain reward system is also triggered by drinks and then by food. which helps individuals respond to instances of discomfort and thirst, the same process is triggered with constant drug use. Addiction alters brain processing by creating a situation in which dopamine is overproduced or it creates a situation in which it is able to mimic the activities of dopamine. Even though aspects such as will and good intentions in the management of addiction are important, it is always necessary to structure another approach in order to avoid scenarios where, in the long term, elucidations that can be obtained with use of the biological basis could relapse. Additionally, addiction alters the human brain, which is a biological process (Kalat, 2007). At first, people often have the idea that drug use is a social and moral problem, which is true, but in cases of addiction they have less control over their actions. According to Carter and de Lecea (2011), brain functioning is greatly affected by addiction, making it difficult to undo these changes, contributing greatly to cases of relapse whenever this occurs. As a result, people with an addiction problem often face an uphill battle in overcoming these challenges, given that they are particularly prone to exposure to drugs and alcohol. Additionally, various elements can contribute to triggering relapses, including the type of environment to which a person is exposed. The brain controls every aspect of the human body andthe ability of people to interact with others, including the relationship they are able to create with their family. Additionally, other aspects such as social bonding, diet, and exercise, which primarily contribute to individuals' health, are largely affected by brain destruction resulting from the addiction process (Cooper, Bloom, & Roth, 2003). The brain also helps trigger responses related to its ability to create warning to individuals and therefore the ability to use self-control is an important part of its success and this is affected by the brain's inability to trigger these responses in cases of addiction. The brain process is largely affected by increased drug use and therefore the personal mechanism and ability to protect individuals from external influences is greatly hampered. The inability to control one's actions can lead to mental health problems and in some cases it can be fatal. Brain Process The brain is an integral part of the human brain and largely dictates the behavior of individuals. A healthy brain has a protective mechanism that helps provide necessary guidance to individuals in the decision-making process (Witten et al, 2011). Therefore, it is always necessary to ensure that the brain process is functioning properly. way to help ensure that people's decision-making is not affected and at the same time control individuals' emotions, which is vital to safeguarding relationships. Parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex act as protection for individuals and their condition is essential for individuals' behavior and avoidance of substances such as drugs and alcohol. People are often aware of the repercussions associated with drug use, but it is the functioning of their brain that determines their ability to respond to such changes (Kandel, Schwartz, & Jessell, 2000). Brain functioning also relies on the limbic system which is responsible for regulating the brain to assist in behavioral adjustments and the decision-making process that help individuals avoid dangers they may be exposed to. In addition, the effect of dopamineDopamineDopamine plays an important role in the human brain due to its role in brain signaling and communication with various parts of the brain. Therefore, an increase in dopamine levels in the human brain complicates learning processes because it sends conflicting signals that further affect the learning process. Since it forms the main core of the communication process, dopamine is responsible for relaying messages to various parts of the brain to trigger anti-medication responses, which can help avoid cases of relapse. There is a biological mechanism in the human organism. body that helps minimize excess dopamine production by relying on dopamine receptors in the human brain. However, the functioning of dopamine receptors depends on their ability to regulate dopamine in the human brain (van Amsterdam, Opperhuizen, Koeter, & van den Brink, 2010). This mainly involves the brain's ability to ensure that neurons are free from excess dopamine, as it largely affects the brain's communication process. However, poor communication within the brain makes it difficult to receive or send the appropriate signals that help control the brain. cases of relapses. The plasticity of the brain dictates its success in modifying the various behaviors exhibited by the brain in response to drug addiction. The main challenge, however, is the inability ofdopamine receptors to function in cases of drug addiction, making it difficult to control the communication process. However, addiction or drug use triggers a mechanism by which the brain is unable to regulate. the production and influx of dopamine which largely compromises communication with the brain (Julien, 2005). As a result, the available mechanisms, including the work of dopamine receptors, do not lead to a reduction in production, especially after addiction. As a neurotransmitter, dopamine plays an essential role in the brain, particularly in how brain communication is executed. Thanks to this, the main role of dopamine is to ensure the necessary transmission of signals to nerve cells, which helps facilitate the actions of the brain. Through this, the actions of the brain are regulated by the uptake and flow of dopamine in the brain. However, one of the main challenges, in this case, is the role that drug addiction has on people's lives as it affects the production and flow of dopamine. The increase in dopaminergic neuronal activity driven by dopaminergic activities since its increase in the brain affects the functioning of the brain, which largely contributes to the abnormal behavior of individuals. manner. However, the activities of dopamine in the human brain create a major problem for the individual since its increase in the brain also affects other types of hormones released in the human brain, which affects the inactivity of the person or how they may react to others. challenges. According to Kolb and Whishsaw (2003), the main role of dopamine is to act as a message in various organs of the body, including the brain, but it must be regulated to ensure that it does not create problems in the body human. Activities such as nausea, lactation, reward system, reinforcement, arousal, motivation, motor control and executive functions of the human brain and other parts of the body. In addition, the increase in the supply of dopamine in the human brain has enormous importance because it is localized only in certain parts of the brain and the increase in products limits the response of individuals to such changes. This affects the nervous system of individuals and has huge implications on individual lives. The effect of dopamine on the human reward system also creates a major challenge in changing the behavior of individuals, but this can only be avoided if the human brain has the means to do so. ability to modify its surplus production. This helps maintain the level of production and activity of the brain, which helps regulate the behavior of individuals. Through different mechanisms, drug addiction triggers excessive dopamine production and at the same time inhibits its spread to other parts of the brain, leading to overconcentration. This triggers activities such as inability to face reality or inability to identify what is real and what is not and at the same time increases the level of anxiety. The effect of the reward system by taking drugs affects the incapacity of dopamine. communicate and use the brain's reward system to motivate individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle. However, the effect of the reward system triggers subsequent communication when addicted, motivating individuals to continue using drugs, which negatively affects their inability to stop themselves from taking more drugs. Other aspects of the human body, such as consuming drinks and foods to trigger dopamine, do not have the same effect due to the excessive release ofdopamine resulting from drug use. According to Nutt, King and Phillips, (2010) shows the effect of high drug use on dopamine production and its subsequent effect on the reward system. Drug use causes almost a 10-fold increase in dopamine production compared to that normally triggered by food consumption. Behavioral Problem of Drug Use Drug addiction often occurs due to the inability of individuals to control drug use. drugs. Even if individuals are aware of the consequences that the drug has on their body, they do not hesitate to take it later, which radically affects their lifestyle. Substance abuse is associated with low productivity, death, cirrhosis, problems such as lung cancer, and the spread of AIDS. The main challenge with drug addiction is the inability of the current method to help treat addiction. Even if a person can undergo rehabilitation and reduce their medication use, there is always a possibility of long-term relapse. As a result, long-term treatment sustainability is a challenge for many, particularly due to a person's exposure to other external conditions (Nutt, King, Saulsbury, & Blakemore, 2007). Even though people are aware of the consequences of drug use, sometimes once they lose control, they are often unable to regulate their drug use. There have been a large number of rehab centers to help regulate drug use, but they have still not been able to sufficiently manage addiction. Understanding the Addiction Process Drug use has psychological and social implications and it fundamentally affects their lives and the way they interact with others. Taking medication triggers a biological process, particularly with the production of dopamine. Consumption of substances such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, heroin and others have a biological effect on the brain. Being a biological process, it is essential to provide biological solutions to the addiction process. However, existing research on biological and behavioral problems has focused on animals, which contributes to replicating similar behavioral problems in humans. Through this, there has been a major development in examining methods that can be used to provide the biological process understanding of the drug addiction process. Behavioral effects such as activation, sedation and euphoria are normally triggered by the effect of drugs on different proteins in the brain. Therefore, the biological effect of drug use causes cellular and molecular reactions that modify the long-term behavioral process. According to Tye et al (2012), almost half of individuals with addiction problems are linked to genetic problems. Additionally, family history of mental health has a major implication on the effect that substance abuse is likely to have on individuals in the long term. Synaptic diffusion in the human brain, especially with relationships to proteins in the brain, affects individuals' behaviors during drug intake. Cellular and molecular changes in the brain also have a subsequent effect on individuals' behaviors, particularly with brain composition. Therefore, the biological process creates a platform to understand the level of brain alteration, especially with increased drug consumption. Nerves have an important role to playin the human body, especially since they regulate individual actions and the way individuals behave when exposed to different conditions. Even if this is the case, the development and understanding of biological activities in terms of brain cells and the addiction process is limited. Circuits of the brain reward system Consumption of different drugs in the human body always has a similar effect even if they have different chemical compositions. However, they tend to trigger dopamine, which affects the brain's reward system circuitry. Circuits in the brain's reward system are often triggered in the same way, even with the use of different medications, because they often work by amplifying dopamine production. The actions of drugs trigger similar reactions which are instrumental changes in the brain and this plays an important role in changing the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its functions in the brain. The reward system in brain activity aims to prevent individuals from undertaking some of the actions that may somehow affect the efficiency of individuals, including understanding the biological composition of the brain. Although the brain has the necessary mechanism to act against the actions of drug taking, this responsiveness is often affected by the overproduction of dopamine which largely affects brain activity. However, this creates the need to guard against increased drug use. Drugs which in turn generate addiction have become a major problem across the world and have contributed to cases of addiction. This includes those medications purchased over the counter and others that individuals purchase for personal satisfaction. Brain plasticity is largely affected by the constant use of medications, which limits the effectiveness of the individual's ability to remember and at the same time learn what is one of the functions of the human brain (McKim, 2003). of the brain, however, includes the structure as well as the chemical compositions that aid in the communication process and modify the brain process. Therefore, drug addiction triggers the mechanism by which a person develops the tendency to learn the ability to take drugs, making it even more difficult to adopt another habit. Additionally, brain circuits are therefore often unable to enable the individual brain to adopt the drug-taking mechanism. High drug consumption changes individual mechanical and chemical reactions in the human brain, making it difficult to modify the brain. the addiction process. Since the brain mechanism is greatly impaired, the plasticity of the brain finds it difficult to learn other behaviors and in its place, high drug use is adopted. This explains why, after addiction, patients often have difficulty unlearning a new way of doing things in their brain. Furthermore, the addiction process also affects the individual's ability to rely on biological functioning, particularly how rewards are obtained by the human body. The brain normally has a learning process in place that teaches individuals new ways of doing things which often is a challenge when addiction arises. Since brain functioning results from biological and chemical processes, changing the biological process makes it difficult for the brain to learn new things. It involves the use of drugs ranging from cocaine to alcohol to nicotine, but they trigger similar actions due to.