Addiction: The Chronic Medical Illness

Le résumé fourni par la source

This chapter begins with the question, what is addiction and then compares and contrasts old definitions of addiction in the context of DSM-5 as a substance use disorder. This is a necessary section since older terms may be pejorative yet are embedded in everyday speech. Chapter 16 explains those differences and describes current diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders as well as symptoms and signs of withdrawal. The current terminology for substance use disorder is explained in detail, as is the neurochemistry of addiction, as we currently understand it. Namely, among scientists, addiction is believed to be caused by neurochemical dysregulation of mesolimbic dopamine and other neurochemicals involved in carrying “pleasure” signals in the brain. Ultimately, the prevention of this disease, and possibly the treatment for it will be in the wheelhouse of neuroscientists. That does not mean other treatment or prevention models do not work. In fact, psychotherapy and behavioral models (also discussed) in tandem with developing pharmacotherapies hold the most promise for addiction use disorders.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.