Key Terms
The Study of the Nervous System.
What is Neuroscience?
This neurotransmitter is released in the brain's reward system and is associated with feelings of happiness and reinforcement.
What is dopamine?
These substances can increase levels of dopamine, leading to intense feelings of Euphoria.
Genetic Factors account for approximately _____ of the risk for developing a substance use disorder.
What is 40-60%?
This initial phase of addiction involves the voluntary use of substances or engagement in addictive behaviors.
What is experimentation?
a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
What is Addiction?
This brain region is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and impulse control and is impacted by addiction.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to reduce neuronal excitability and promote relaxation.
What is Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?
A DNA Sequence with a known physical location on a chromosome.
What is a genetic marker?
This phase is characterized by a loss of control over substance use or behaviors, leading to significant impairment and distress.
What is dependence?
The Brain's capacity to continue to grow and evolve in response to life experiences.
What is Neuroplasticity?
This neurotransmitter, besides dopamine, is also involved in the brain's reward system and affects mood and anxiety.
What is serotonin?
These occur naturally in our body and can be mimicked by man-made substances. It helps to relief pain.
An emotional response to a distressing event. Can be physical, or emotional.
What is trauma?
In this phase, individuals experience intense symptoms when they stop using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors.
What is withdrawal?
How our brain is altered or changed in response to new stimuli or experiences.
This neurotransmitter is involved in the brain's reward system and is associated with the feeling of euphoria during drug use.
What is endorphin?
This is the main excitatory neurotransmitter, essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
What is Glutamate?
Attempting to influence others within a social group to adopt specific behaviors, attitudes or actions that align with group norms.
What is peer pressure?
This phase occurs when individuals return to substance use or addictive behaviors after a period of abstinence.
What is relapse?
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.
What is Neurotransmitter?
This pathway connects the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens and is crucial for the brain's reward system, playing a key role in the reinforcement of addictive behaviors.
What is the mesolimbic pathway?
Depressants like this substance inhibit glutamate activity, impairing cognitive functions.
What is Alcohol?
Natural or socioeconomic conditions in which humans can interact, including elements like climate, natural resources, social and economic status.
What is Environmental Factors?
During this phase, individuals work to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse, often through ongoing support and coping strategies.
What is recovery?