Psychology of Drugs and Human Behavior

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that psychoactive drugs act upon the human central nervous system, altering brain function and impacting on mood and behavior. The writer discusses that though some psychoactive drugs are legal and prescribed as medication, while some are illegal and are used as a form of recreation for users. The writer then points out that current research suggests that these drugs can sometimes lead to dependence and addiction issues. The writer also discusses that mood and behavior-altering drugs have therefore garnered significant media attention as harmful solutions to problems which could be solved through non-medicinal methods.

Outline:
Introduction
Psychoactive Drugs: Theories of Addiction
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Though the researchers agree that this is true, they believe that psychoactive drug addiction is a real issue that has numerous causal factors. The most notable of these, according to Nesse and Berridge, is the tendency for psychoactive drugs to create a brain signal that creates a false indication of a huge fitness benefit. This then changes behavior propensities, increasing drug-seeking behaviours in frequency and displacing more adaptive behaviours. This issue is seen by the researchers as being part of an overall addiction modern society has to fitness-decreasing incentives such as video games and snack foods. Such addictions, Nesse and Berridge maintain, are a mismatch between our bodies and our modern environments, which causes behavioural and medical problems."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Nesse, R. M. & Berridge, K. C. (1997). Psychoactive Drug Use in Evolutionary Perspective. Science, 278: 63-65.
• O'Brien, C. P. (1997). A Range of Research-Based Pharmacotherapies for Addiction. Science, 278: 66.
• Peele, S. & DeGrandpre, R.J. (1998). Cocaine and the Concept of Addiction: Environmental Factors in Drug Compulsions. Addiction Research, 6: 235-263
• Raveis, V. H. & Kandel, D. B. (1987). Changes in Drug Behavior from the Middle to the Late Twenties: Initiation, Persistence, and Cessation of Use. American Journal of Public Health, 77, 5: 607-611.
• Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence. (2004). World Health Organization. Retrieved May 8, 2007 from http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/en/Neuroscience_E.pdf.

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