RSM 201 : Notes on chemical Dependency.docx
8 Dec 2014
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Diabetes: organ-pancreas defect-islet cell death leading to lack of insulin. Symptoms- are loss of control of drug use, craving and persistent use of the drug despite negative consequences. The choice argument: factor of free-will makes addiction not a disease. 1 of 5 people who abuse drugs cross the wall and become chemically dependent. Out of all of the wall crossers or addicts 95% of them have family members who are also addicts. The disease of addiction initiates compulsion in the brain by chemical alteration of neurotransmitters and neurological rewiring of nerve pathways. Chemical changes: the brain can be thought of as two different parts. The old part of the brain or the reptilian brain, namely the hypothalamus is located at the center of the brain and is responsible for our natural appetites and instincts such as reproduction, thirst, hunger, and emotions.
