The Addictive Brain | How Addiction Hijacks the Brain

The Addictive Brain | How Addiction Hijacks the Brain

Discover the neural mechanisms that underlie the behaviors of addiction.

This course includes watching a lecture followed by a group discussion moderated by the facilitator.

Here you'll examine the ways addiction alters the brain by numbing the pleasure center, sensitizing the dopamine system, and inhibiting the prefrontal cortex. Combined, these altered brain functions lead to strong cravings and a reduced ability to control one's actions. This foray into neuroscience will forever change the way you think about addiction.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How would you characterize the positive and negative reinforcement models of addiction?

2. What are some of the major neural changes that occur with chronic drug use that contribute to addiction?

3. Based on what you've learned, do you think that addiction is a disease, a moral failure, or both?