Brain Changes in Addiction

  1. Sensitization: Hyper reactivity to addiction related cues. Greater wanting but less liking
  2. Desensitization: Number pleasure response. Tolerance: need for higher doses or greater stimuli
  3. Hypofrontality: Weakened impulse control. Increases cravings.
  4. Altered stress response: Minor stress leads to cravings/relapse. Responsible for many withdrawal symptoms.

To know if someone is addicted, use the Addiction Assessment

Meta