Addiction

Definition

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Addiction often involves the misuse of opioid agonists like morphine and heroin.
2. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
3. Chronic use of addictive substances can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
4. Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are treated using medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
5. Withdrawal symptoms from addiction can be severe and require medical supervision during detoxification.

Review Questions

• What role do opioid antagonists play in the treatment of addiction?
• How does tolerance develop in individuals with addiction?
• Name two medications used in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders.

Related terms

Opioid Agonists:

Drugs that activate opioid receptors in the brain, leading to analgesic effects.

Opioid Antagonists:

Medications that block opioid receptors and are used to counteract overdoses.

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs): A condition characterized by an uncontrollable use of substances despite harmful consequences.