Why do only some people who try drugs develop a lasting addiction?
In short: Addiction is a complex disease of the brain's reward and motivation systems. This video explores why vulnerability varies between individuals, examining the roles of genetics, stress, and trauma in the development of substance use disorders.
Psychiatrist Edmund Griffin discusses the multifaceted nature of addiction, drawing on insights from epidemiology, molecular neuroscience, and animal studies. While many people experiment with illicit substances, only a small fraction progress to addiction, a condition defined as a chronic disease affecting brain circuitry, memory, and motivation.
Current research, including work by Dr. Kerry J. Ressler at Harvard Medical School, highlights the critical intersection between childhood trauma and substance use. By studying thousands of patients in high-stress environments, scientists aim to better understand the link between early life adversity and the development of disorders like PTSD, ultimately seeking new pathways for prevention and treatment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Addiction and the Brain - AMNH SciCafe
- Also: Addiction and the Brain
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