Dopamine Addiction
Not what you're looking for?
Please help with the following: Develop an analysis of the role that dopamine plays in addiction. Craft a cohesive analysis of how the dopamine system is involved in drug craving. How is it that addictive drugs co-opt brain systems to drive use and abuse? Provide specific evidence from 'peer-reviewed literature' to support your position.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
This solution discusses dopamine addiction aimed at addressing drug craving related to dopamine.
Solution Preview
(1) Develop an analysis of the role that dopamine plays in addiction.
Domapine is described as a neurotransmitter or neuronal reinforcing electrode. Several systems of neurons (cells) secrete to the neurostraitum, which is responsible for movement. Drugs act to block dopamine by electrically stimulating the brain. In effect it is the blocking of dopamine receptors that prevent them from action (Pinel, 2006). Studies show that specific drugs such as amphetamine, cocaine, morphine, nicotine increases the level of dopamine, as drugs not only produces side effects but can prevent movement as well (Hendricks, 1988).
Hendricks (1988) research presented results from studies involving rats that revealed drugs abused by humans increased the level of dopamine in the brain areas, and more so in the nucleus acumbens (a nucleus at the basal forebrain that receives dopamine secretions from other areas of the brain). For example, as explained by Hendricks, empirical findings revealed that some drugs "caused the rats to run around, and to the rear". Other drugs found to be aversive reduced the concentration of dopamine in both ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Health Psychology
This quiz speaks to the general concepts, themes, and terminology associated with the field of health psychology.
Positive Psychology
A quiz related to the introductory concepts of positive psychology.
Can you name these types of cognitive distortions?
In each mini-scenario, can you identify the type of cognitive distortion being displayed? All of us are subject to cognitive errors, biases, and distortions throughout our daily lives.
Motion Perception
This quiz will help students test their understanding of the differences between the types of motion perception, as well as the understanding of their underlying mechanisms.
Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages
Erik Erikson researched eight stages of psychosocial development beginning at birth and ending at death. This quiz challenges your knowledge of each stage, the corresponding age range, and the conflicts present during each stage.