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Addiction and Genetics. By: Joe Geraghty, James Robertson. Objectives:. Define, recognize different types of addiction Learn causes of addiction Interpret addiction at the molecular level Discover possible treatment options. What is addiction?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Addiction and Genetics
By: Joe Geraghty, James Robertson
Objectives:O Define, recognize different types of
addictionO Learn causes of addictionO Interpret addiction at the molecular
levelO Discover possible treatment options
What is addiction?O “persistent, compulsive dependence
on a behavior or substance”O Two forms of addiction
1. Substance addiction2. Process addiction
Substance AddictionO A dependency on specific items
O Eventually, afflicted persons’ ability to function dependent on use of item
O Ex: Alcoholism, drug abuse, obesity (possible)
Process AddictionsO A need to perform a certain mood-
altering activity involving risk for stimulation
O Ex: Shopping, gambling, eating, sexual activity
What is “tolerance”?O Effect where a substance/activity
must constantly be used/performed either more frequently or at a higher intensity than in previous instances
O Is the body’s way of adapting to excessive stimulation
O Occurs when an addictive substance or risky activity is abused
Nature Vs. NurtureO Is addiction due to genetic factors or
environmental factors, or both?
O Nature v. Nurture is a common psychology debate
Nature (Biological Aspect)
O Twin studies are an effective means of approach
O In alcoholism, monozygotic twins are more concordant than dizygotic twins
O Genetic influence = Mono concordance > di concordance
Nurture (Social Aspect)O Study of cocaine addicts and their
siblings who experienced a traumatic childhood
O Siblings displayed “higher-than-normal levels of impulsive and compulsive behaviors”; did not use drugs
O Traits are known to increase risk of drug addiction
Nature AND NurtureO While there is some debate, many
sources believe addiction is a combination
O Genetics and environment equally contribute
O Essential to be informed of family history and keep a healthy environment
Genetic AspectO Addiction is the result of many
interacting genesO Genes for addiction can involve
metabolism and neuron pathwaysO People with same addiction do not
necessarily have similar responsible genes
O Genes alone will not determine your fate
What is Dopamine?O Integral neurotransmitter of the
reward system of the brainO Essential to central nervous system
functionsO Reduction of concentration related to
Parkinson's’ disease
How Addiction WorksO Brain’s pleasure centers create good feeling
when something you enjoy or helps you is done
O Neurons in the reward pathway create dopamine
O Dopamine creates euphoriaO Reward pathway reinforces performed action
by linking to memory portion of the brainO Recognition or thought of substance/activity
will initiate a craving
How Addiction Works cont.
O High dopamine levels result in tolerance via decrease of dopamine receptors
O More substance/activity required to produce euphoria
O Eventually, ability to function in day-to-day life relies on substance/activity
O Persons with low dopamine levels tend to be more prone to forming addictions
Drugs on the Nervous System
O Cocaine prevents dopamine reabsorption, excess dopamine binds to receptor sites
O Amphetamines, nicotine release more dopamine
O Alcohol increases dopamine levels, increases serotonin, releases endorphins, negates glutamate and magnifies GABA (creates depressant effect)
Process Addiction Activities
O Reward pathways tend to prematurely stimulate production of dopamine in anticipation of the reward or action
TreatmentO Two types of treatment:
O MedicalO SocialO Both can be used in conjunction
Medical TreatmentO Hospitalization, depending on severityO Anti-addiction medications
O MethadoneO Maltrexone
O Researchers can identify genes that may cause addictions, and create medication to compensate for the gene
O Ritalin helps with cocaine withdrawal, but can be subject to abuse
Social TreatmentO Individual or group psychotherapy
O Effective when addict ceases satisfying their addiction
O 12-Step ProgramO Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)O Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
PreventionO Early education of the effects of drugs
O Learning one’s family history to learn of genetic predispositions, and adjusting environment accordingly
O “The most effective form of prevention is having a stable family that understands the dangers of using mood-altering substances and practices.”
O Abstaining from risky behaviors or addictive substances
Pedigree InvestigatorO Learn how pedigrees are created and
interpreted
Pedigree Investigator
MediaO Bottoms Up to Finding Connection Be
tween Genes and Addiction – PBS
O Addiction Explained on “The Dr.”
Self Assessment1. What is addiction?2. How do genetic and environmental
factors contribute to addiction? Is there a dominating factor?
3. What options are available for addiction treatment?
4. Define “process addiction” and provide an example of one.
Answers1. A persistent compulsive dependence on a
behavior or substance.2. Twin Studies have shown that if one identical
twin was an addict, then the other has a high percentage to be an addict. Other studies have shown that experiences in a person's childhood will shape their activities in the future. No, both factors play an equal role.
3. Hospitalization and individual/group therapy.4. Process addiction is the desire to perform mood
altering behaviors. Gambling, Shopping, Eating, etc…