8.5.3 Addiction and Dependence

• Addiction and dependence are related but distinct concepts
• Addiction is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors despite adverse consequences.
• Dependence refers to a state where the body relies on a substance to function normally
• Dependence always leads to addiction.

  False
• Match the characteristic with its concept:

  Compulsive behavior despite harm ↔️ Addiction

  Withdrawal symptoms when substance is stopped ↔️ Dependence
• A person can be dependent on a medication without being addicted.
• Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that drives the brain's reward system
• Serotonin imbalances can contribute to seeking addictive substances.
• GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can be affected by substances, leading to dependence
• Steps involved in the reward pathway in the brain:

  1️⃣ Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) produces dopamine

  2️⃣ Nucleus Accumbens receives dopamine, producing pleasure

  3️⃣ Prefrontal Cortex manages planning and decision-making
• Addictive substances cause a surge in dopamine release, overriding normal reward processes.
• Which brain region manages planning and decision-making in the reward system?

  Prefrontal Cortex
• Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter that transmits signals along the reward pathway
• When dopamine is released, it creates a sense of pleasure that reinforces rewarding behaviors.
• What happens to dopamine release when addictive substances are used?

  Surge in release
• Addiction is a psychological condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors despite adverse consequences
• Dependence refers to a state where the body relies on a substance to function normally.
• Which neurotransmitter is key for impulse control and mood regulation?

  Serotonin
• GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can be affected by substances, leading to dependence
• The reward pathway reinforces pleasurable behaviors through the release of dopamine.
• Which brain region produces dopamine in the reward pathway?

  Ventral Tegmental Area
• The nucleus accumbens receives dopamine, producing feelings of pleasure
• Order the key components of the reward pathway:

  1️⃣ Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

  2️⃣ Nucleus Accumbens

  3️⃣ Prefrontal Cortex
• Tolerance occurs when the body requires more of a substance to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance is stopped or reduced
• What is the primary characteristic of withdrawal?

  Physical/psychological symptoms
• Match the term with its definition:

  Tolerance ↔️ Adaptation requiring higher doses

  Withdrawal ↔️ Symptoms after stopping substance
• In which brain region is dopamine released during pleasurable activities?

  Nucleus Accumbens
• Drugs often increase dopamine levels more intensely than natural rewards, leading to addiction.
• Addiction is a psychological condition characterized by compulsive behavior despite adverse consequences
• What type of state is dependence characterized as?

  Physical state
• Match the neurotransmitter with its role in addiction:

  Dopamine ↔️ Drives reward and pleasure

  Serotonin ↔️ Mood and impulse control

  GABA ↔️ Inhibits brain activity

  Endorphins ↔️ Natural pain relief and pleasure
• Which brain region produces dopamine in the reward pathway?

  Ventral Tegmental Area
• The nucleus accumbens receives dopamine, producing feelings of pleasure
• Order the key components of the reward pathway:

  1️⃣ Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

  2️⃣ Nucleus Accumbens

  3️⃣ Prefrontal Cortex
• What happens to neurotransmitter levels during withdrawal?

  Imbalances
• Which neurotransmitter plays a key role in the brain's reward pathway and addiction?

  Dopamine
• Dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens during pleasurable activities.
• Drugs increase dopamine levels more intensely than natural rewards, reinforcing addictive behaviors.
• What is an example of dopamine's role in addiction?

  Reinforcing addictive behaviors