genetics and addiction
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University of UtahDepartment of Human Genetics
The New Science of AddictionLouisa A. Stark,
Ph.D. Director
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm
Addiction is similar to other diseases
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html
• Natural reward pathways exist in the brain• Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural
reward pathways• Genetics is a factor in addiction• Timing and circumstances influence
addiction• Addiction is a treatable disease
Key points
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/reward/
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/drugs/
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/genetics/
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/factors/
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/strategy.html
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html
Treatment and recovery
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html
Components of effective treatment
• Treatment medications– Treat withdrawal symptoms– Help the brain adapt to the absence of the
drug– Prevent relapse by interfering with triggers
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/issues/treatments.cfm
Components of effective treatment
• Behavioral therapies– Cognitive behavioral therapy– Motivational incentives– Motivational interviewing– Group therapy
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html
http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html
• Natural reward pathways exist in the brain• Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural
reward pathways• Genetics is a factor in addiction• Timing and circumstances influence
addiction• Addiction is a treatable disease
Key points
To learn more
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm