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Neurological Perspective, Addicted to Prescription Drugs

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From a neurological perspective, how is it different for a person to become addicted to prescription drugs versus street or illegal drugs? Is there a difference?

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Solution Summary

The solution discusses whether there is a neurological distinction between being addicted to prescription and illegal drugs and if so, what that distinction is. 442 words with 1 reference.

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Through fMRI and PET scans, neurologists can see what happens in the brain during the highs and lows of drug use, what makes withdrawal from the drug difficult and sometimes unbearable, and how these changes persist after the person stop using the addicting drug (Begley, 2001). The brain of a person addicted to drugs is physically and chemically different from a normal brain. Neurobiological changes take place when a person changes from a drug user to someone addicted to drugs. Drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and even nicotine alter the brains please circuits. Other normal pleasurable experiences do the same, such as winning a competition, receiving praise, sex, and ...

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