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A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
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Published on: November 6, 2018

Addiction and will.

Brian Johnson1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY, USA.

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|September 25, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Addictive drugs hijack the brain's SEEKING system, altering neurotransmission and creating a cycle of partial gratification. This neurobiological change in the addiction process necessitates specialized therapeutic approaches for effective treatment.

Keywords:
SEEKINGaddictioncathexisdriveneuropsychoanalysispsychoanalysistoxoplasmosiswill

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Area of Science:

  • Neuropsychoanalysis
  • Addiction Science
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, often involving a complex interplay of neurobiological and psychological factors.
  • Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of drive and will is crucial for explaining the persistence of addictive behaviors.
  • Psychoanalytic therapy faces challenges in treating addiction due to the unique transference dynamics involved.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a hypothesis on the neurobiological bases of drive, drive reduction, and will in addictive illness.
  • To explore how addictive drugs alter neurotransmission in the SEEKING system, impacting an individual's will.
  • To contrast addictive neuroses with traditional psychoanalytic concepts and propose therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Hypothesized a neurobiological model of addiction based on the SEEKING system and drive reduction.
  • Analyzed the psychological defenses and transference patterns in actively addicted patients.
  • Contrasted addictive neuroses with Freud's concepts of transference and narcissistic neuroses.

Main Results:

  • Addictive drugs alter neurotransmission in the SEEKING system, leading to a permanent state of seeking and partial gratification.
  • This process creates a cathexis to the drug and drug seller, complicating the therapeutic relationship.
  • Actively addicted patients exhibit a split transference, requiring therapists to negotiate these dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Addictive neuroses, characterized by split transference, require specific therapeutic interventions to address denial and integrate hostility into the transference.
  • The neuropsychoanalytic understanding of addiction can inform public health strategies to combat this illness.
  • The multi-billion dollar addictive drug industry contributes significantly to the prevalence of addiction, highlighting the need for effective interventions.