Drug Profile Research Paper
Drug Profile
Katie VanEsch
PSY425
October 25, 2010
BARBARA NOSAL
Drug Profile
There are many different types of addictions that fall into the categories of chemical dependency or physiological and psychological dependence. Dependencies such as physiological and psychological consequences most typically accompany substance abuse. Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in America today and is perhaps the most popular widespread form of substance abuse. However, there are several other substances that are rapidly becoming more socially accepted and therefore becoming a more prominent issue.
Addiction
According to Merriam-Webster, addiction is defined as, "a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as …show more content…
Unfortunately, this turns on the user and results in pathological consequences, often life-damaging. According to Pamela Merten, the individual becomes addicted to the experience, which often leads to impulsivity: individuals “lacking in impulse control tend to act in accordance with their mood of the moment, tend not to plan for the future, are depressed and suicidal/self-destructive, suffer chronic anxiety, and tend toward irritability” (Merten, 2010, p. 6). She also explains that these individuals often do not have effective coping skills and take on an external locus of control. They also tend to have avoidant personalities and do not perceive themselves as empowered to change their …show more content…
Acetylcholine, a common neurotransmitter, is involved in every move an individual makes because it “transmits messages related to our skeletal muscles” (Feldman, 2010). Gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA, is the nervous systems primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and moderates several behaviors. Alcohol, for instance, increases the quieting effect GABA has on various neurons, thus sedating judgment, breathing, and movement. Dopamine can be either excitatory or inhibitory and is involved in the brain’s pleasure and reword system, movement control, and attention. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter regulates sleep, eating, mood, pain, and depression. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters that are considered to be the body’s natural painkillers. These neurotransmitter alleviate pain, produce pleasurable feelings, and elevate mood. Drugs such as opioids are known to affect the endorphin system (Merten,
Katie VanEsch
PSY425
October 25, 2010
BARBARA NOSAL
Drug Profile
There are many different types of addictions that fall into the categories of chemical dependency or physiological and psychological dependence. Dependencies such as physiological and psychological consequences most typically accompany substance abuse. Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in America today and is perhaps the most popular widespread form of substance abuse. However, there are several other substances that are rapidly becoming more socially accepted and therefore becoming a more prominent issue.
Addiction
According to Merriam-Webster, addiction is defined as, "a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as …show more content…
Unfortunately, this turns on the user and results in pathological consequences, often life-damaging. According to Pamela Merten, the individual becomes addicted to the experience, which often leads to impulsivity: individuals “lacking in impulse control tend to act in accordance with their mood of the moment, tend not to plan for the future, are depressed and suicidal/self-destructive, suffer chronic anxiety, and tend toward irritability” (Merten, 2010, p. 6). She also explains that these individuals often do not have effective coping skills and take on an external locus of control. They also tend to have avoidant personalities and do not perceive themselves as empowered to change their …show more content…
Acetylcholine, a common neurotransmitter, is involved in every move an individual makes because it “transmits messages related to our skeletal muscles” (Feldman, 2010). Gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA, is the nervous systems primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and moderates several behaviors. Alcohol, for instance, increases the quieting effect GABA has on various neurons, thus sedating judgment, breathing, and movement. Dopamine can be either excitatory or inhibitory and is involved in the brain’s pleasure and reword system, movement control, and attention. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter regulates sleep, eating, mood, pain, and depression. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters that are considered to be the body’s natural painkillers. These neurotransmitter alleviate pain, produce pleasurable feelings, and elevate mood. Drugs such as opioids are known to affect the endorphin system (Merten,