Addictive disorders
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Addictive disorders are becoming increasingly pervasive. They include addictions to alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medication, as well as food, compulsive gambling and a wide range of other substances and behaviors.
1) What does research say the reason why people become addicted?
2) What does research say why people become addicted to alcohol.
2) What keeps them addicted?
3) How can addiction impact those around the addict?
Use scholarly sources to support your answers. Limit direct quotes. Cite sources with an APA format
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Solution Summary
This library solution provides an explanation for why people become addicted, whether it be to alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, or something else. Also discussed are the reasons people become addicted specifically to alcohol and what keeps them addicted. Finally, a brief overview of how addiction impacts the people around the addict, such as children and spouses, is also discussed.
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Addictive Disorders:
Addictive disorders are becoming increasingly pervasive. They include addictions to alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medication, as well as food, compulsive gambling and a wide range of other substances and behaviors.
1) What does research say is the reason why people become addicted?
In recent years, brain research indicates a major connection between the neurotransmitter dopamine and the propensity to develop addiction. Certain substances seem to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which creates pleasurable feelings. Scientists have long understood that mind altering substances such as alcohol and drugs can alter brain chemistry and subsequently alter neurotransmitter levels, such as increasing dopamine levels (Nash, 1997). It is now believed that a similar process occurs with other substances, such as food, or activities, like gambling. Increases in dopamine levels can occur whenever someone is participating in something they like; it doesn't have to be drugs or alcohol. The bottom line is that when levels of dopamine increase the individual feels good and associates that feeling with the substance or activity they are partaking in at the time so they want to keep doing whatever it is ...
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