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[Positive and negative reinforcement. Its correction by narcotics]
1GNTs of Narcology, Moscow, Russia, Russia.
Vestnik Rossiiskoi Akademii Meditsinskikh Nauk
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Drug addiction and dependence arise from the brain's natural reinforcement mechanisms, involving dopamine and opioids. These systems create comfortable emotional states, driving cravings and addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Subjective sensations of efficacy are crucial for evaluating bodily systems.
- Positive and negative reinforcement mechanisms underpin these sensations.
- Endogenous opioids and dopamine in telemesencephalic structures mediate euphoria, dysphoria, and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the neurophysiological and neurochemical similarities between positive and negative reinforcement.
- To explore the link between drug abuse, functional systems, and comfortable emotional states.
- To indicate specific impacts of drug abuse on reward mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Neuroscience-based discussion of neurophysiology and neurochemistry.
- Analysis of the role of endogenous opioids and dopamine.
- Examination of functional systems and their relation to emotional states.
Main Results:
- Neurophysiology and neurochemistry of positive and negative reinforcement show similarities.
- Craving for drug abuse is linked to functional systems promoting comfortable emotional states.
- Drug abuse specifically impacts natural positive and negative reward mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Psychoactive drug addiction and dependence develop through the brain's inherent reinforcement mechanisms.
- Understanding these natural pathways is key to addressing addiction.
- The study highlights the convergence of natural reward and drug-induced states.