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Is Drug Addiction a Brain Disease?

Question by Robert: is drug addiction a brain disease?

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Answer by Ian
Recent studies have increased our knowledge of how drugs affect gene expression and brain circuitry, and how these factors affect human behavior. “Drug addiction is a brain disease,” says Dr. Volkow. “Although initial drug use might be voluntary, once addiction develops this control is markedly disrupted. Imaging studies have shown specific abnormalities in the brains of some, but not all, addicted individuals. While scientific advancements in the understanding of addiction have occurred at unprecedented speed in recent years, unanswered questions remain that highlight the need for further research to better define the neurobiological processes involved in addiction.”

March Madness: Gateway to Gambling? For Some, Yes
… some unknowingly are introduced to an engulfing disorder. “I'm not saying it's not OK to go out to Las Vegas and place a bet on a team,” said Tim Otteman, an assistant professor at Central Michigan University and an internationally known expert on …
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Map: TB's Global Reach
She added: “Discipline among patients and doctors — which is key to treating the disease — was no longer there.” TB quickly became an … Alcohol and drug addiction, and homelessness, which compromise immune systems, also allowed TB to fester.
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Is Addiction Really a “Disease” Like Cancer? — Cancer survivor and recovering addict Jane Velez-Mitchell says addiction is a disease, because she was powerless over it. http://thefix.com is a website abou…


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