Summary
Biological models of substance use disorders include both genetic and neurotransmitter explanations for how and why some individuals are at greater risk for developing alcohol and drug problems while others are not. There is a great deal of research supporting genetic models of addiction; it remains to be seen, however, what exactly is “inherited” that places one at higher risk for developing these disorders. Also, although genetic research is empirically supported not everyone born to a parent with a SUD will necessarily be destined to become addicted. Similarly, recent advances in brain imaging have provided fascinating insights into the functioning of the brain and how our brains are “hardwired” to respond to alcohol and drugs of abuse. Neurotransmitters play a key role in producing the euphoric sensations that one feels when drinking alcohol or taking drugs; it remains to be seen, however, why some people develop substance use disorders while others don’t, given the predictable changes in brain chemistry produced by drugs and alcohol. Recent research into pre-morbid dopamine and endorphin depletions may provide some answers.
Recommended Reading and Resources
Carter, A., Hall.W., & Illes,J. (2016). Addiction neuroethics: The ethics of addiction neuroscience research and treatment. New York: Elsevier Science.
Grisel, J. (2019). Never enough: The neuroscience and experience of addiction. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Maté, G. (2010). In the realm of hungry ghosts: Close encounters with addiction. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
McGue, M. (1999). Behavioral genetic models of alcoholism and drinking. In K.E. Leonard & H.T. Blane (Eds). Psychological theories of drinking and alcoholism (2nd edn.pp. 372—421). New York: Guilford Press.
Quinones, S. (2016). Dreamland: The true tale of America’s opiate epidemic. New York: Bloomsbury Press.
Reed, B.. Butelman, E.R., & Kreek, MJ. (2017). Endogenous opioid system in addiction and addiction-related behaviors. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 13, 196—202.
Robins, L.N. (1993). Vietnam veterans rapid recovery from heroin: A fluke or normal expectation? Addiction, 88, 1041-1054.
Satel, S., & Lilienfeld, S.O. (2013). Brainwashed: The seductive appeal of mindless neuro-science. New York: Basic Books.
Resources
The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction (website): This website was developed by NIDA and presents a multi-part series on neurobiology and addiction, www.drugabuse.gov/ neurobiology-drug-addiction
The Neuroscience of Addiction & Recovery (website): This information on brain plasticity and recovery was developed by The Best Brain Possible, an independent organization, www. thebestbrainpossible.com/neuroplasticity-addiction-recovery-brain/
Addiction & the Brain (website/newsletter): This newsletter is sponsored by the Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute and contains very up-to-date, useful information, https://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-mahoney-neuroscience-institute/brain-newsletter/and-brain-series/ addiction-and-brain
Addiction Neuroscience (Bing video): This video contains useful, basic information on the brain, www.bing.com/videos/search?q=addiction+neuroscience&view=detail&mid= 1D607913C039FB7D35DD1D607913C039FB7D35DD&FORM=VIRE
Addiction and the Brain (YouTube video): This YouTube video contains very useful information on addiction neuroscience. The video lecture was developed by Dr. Marc Lewis, www. youtube, com/ watch?v=aOSD9rTVu W c
