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Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena01:15

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids01:24

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CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
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Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
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Abnormal brain structure implicated in stimulant drug addiction.

Karen D Ersche1, P Simon Jones, Guy B Williams

  • 1Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. ke220@cam.ac.uk

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 4, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Drug addiction is a public health crisis. Researchers found fronto-striatal brain system abnormalities in individuals with stimulant addiction and their siblings, suggesting a neurocognitive endophenotype for addiction.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Addiction Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Drug addiction is a significant public health concern.
  • It involves maladaptive behaviors impacting health and social life.
  • Self-control deficits are often observed in addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate neurobiological underpinnings of stimulant drug addiction.
  • To identify potential endophenotypes associated with addiction risk.
  • To examine brain systems involved in self-control in addicted individuals and their relatives.

Main Methods:

  • Neuroimaging techniques were used to study brain systems.
  • Focus was placed on fronto-striatal circuits.
  • Participants included stimulant-dependent individuals and their non-drug-abusing biological siblings.

Main Results:

  • Abnormalities were identified in fronto-striatal brain systems.
  • These abnormalities were present in both stimulant-dependent individuals and their siblings.
  • The findings suggest a shared neurocognitive vulnerability.

Conclusions:

  • A neurocognitive endophenotype for stimulant drug addiction may exist.
  • Fronto-striatal system abnormalities could represent a predisposition to addiction.
  • This research highlights the role of self-control mechanisms in addiction vulnerability.