1. Does addiction cause changes in the brain which result in dependency?

Dr. Heyman argues that nearly every activity in the brain results in some change. The brain changes even when watchcing cartoons. The ease at which addict can quit when absolutely necessary retracts from the argument of permanent changes to the brain which cause dependency.

2. So, is addiction a chronic relapsing disease?

Even though many scientist and research may present this argument. Dr. Heyman doesn’t believe so and propose that previous clinical studies have unrepresentative populations. Dr. Heyman present alternative example and research to show prove his argument. In an experiment mice were given drugs to a point of ‘addiction’ but when gien the choice between the drugs and sucrose mice chose sucrose. He argues that research may have a bias since animals aren’t typically given a choice. When presented with a viable alternative addicts will choose to no longer do drugs. Individuals choose the best option.

3. How does age relate to addictive drug use?

Drug use is more prevalent in young adults and by age 30 more than half of people who were addicted at 20 are no longer using illicit drugs to a significant clinical extent. Data therefor by age 30 or younger most people who previously met the criteria for addiction are no longer addicted. Possible explanations are that as age progresses consequences for drug use are greater as are the available of beneficial alternative choices.

 

4.  What role does additional psychiatric disorders play in the ability to quit drugs.

Additional disorders make it more difficult to quit drugs since addicts ‘self medicate’ with illegal drugs.

5.  What is Remission?

Remission is the state following addictive drug use in which the individual is no longer actively using drugs.

6. What’s the difference between local and global equilibrium points? How does it relate to drug use?

In summary local equilibrium is framed using a limited local perspective whereas global equilibrium is broader considering many more factors with many more choices.  Drug addicts focus on obtaining local equilibrium points rather than global and choose to continue drug use to obtain local equilibrium. Refer to resouses and test for more detailed explantion.

7. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntray actions? How does this pply to drug use?

Voluntary refers to actions that are susceptible to the influence of new information, values, the opinion of others, costs and benefits. Involuntary actions are uncontrollable. This relates to the idea of whether or not addictive drug use is voluntary (chosen) or involuntary (uncontrollable).

8. After watching the lecture and reading the corresponding articles what is your opinion on drug use? Is it a disease or a choice?

This question is for personal reflection answers will vary.

Additional resources

http://geneheyman.com/pdf/Ch%204%20Consumption%20Dependent%20Changes.pdf