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University of Utah Department of Human Genetics. The New Science of Addiction. Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D. Director. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm. Addiction is similar to other diseases. http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html. Key points.
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University of UtahDepartment of Human Genetics The New Science of Addiction Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D. Director
Addiction is similar to other diseases http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html
Key points • Natural reward pathways exist in the brain • Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural reward pathways • Genetics is a factor in addiction • Timing and circumstances influence addiction • Addiction is a treatable disease
Treatment and recovery http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html
Components of effective treatment • Treatment medications • Treat withdrawal symptoms • Help the brain adapt to the absence of the drug • Prevent relapse by interfering with triggers http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/issues/treatments.cfm
Components of effective treatment • Behavioral therapies • Cognitive behavioral therapy • Motivational incentives • Motivational interviewing • Group therapy http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html
Key points • Natural reward pathways exist in the brain • Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural reward pathways • Genetics is a factor in addiction • Timing and circumstances influence addiction • Addiction is a treatable disease
To learn more http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm