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Addiction Shaming
Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in a behavior that produces natural reward, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. Repetitive drug use can alter brain function in synapses similar to natural rewards like food or falling in love in ways that perpetuate craving and weakens self-control for people with pre-existing vulnerabilities. This phenomenon – drugs reshaping brain function – has led to an understanding of addiction as a brain disorder with a complex variety of psychosocial as well as neurobiological factors that are implicated in the development of addiction. While mice given cocaine showed the compulsive and involuntary nature of addiction, for humans this is more complex, related to behavior or personality traits. Classic signs of addiction include compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, ''preoccupation'' with substances or behavior, and continued use despite ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Brain Positron Emission Tomography
Brain positron emission tomography is a form of positron emission tomography (PET) that is used to measure brain metabolism and the distribution (pharmacology), distribution of exogenous radiolabeled chemical agents throughout the brain. PET measures emissions from radioactively labeled metabolically active chemicals that have been injected into the bloodstream. The emission data from brain PET are computer-processed to produce multi-dimensional images of the distribution of the chemicals throughout the brain. Process The positron emitting radioisotopes used are usually produced by a cyclotron, and chemicals are labeled with these radioactive atoms. The radioisotopes used in clinics are normally Fluorine-18, 18F (fluoride), Carbon-11, 11C (carbon) and Oxygen-15, 15O (oxygen). The labeled compound, called a ''radiotracer or radioligand'', is injected into the bloodstream and eventually makes its way to the brain through blood circulation. Detectors in the PET scanner detect the radi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
