Chemical Dependency
Chemical Dependency | Addiction Is a Brain Disease
In the following viewpoint, Alan Leshner maintains that drug addiction is a chronic illness that is linked to changes in brain structure. According to Leshner, drugs activate a pathway in the brain; activation of that pathway, known as the mesolimbic reward system, prompts a dependency on these substances. Leshner concludes that by understanding the connection between the brain and addiction, society can develop more effective treatments and public health strategies. Leshner is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
As you read, consider the following questions:...
[The entire page is 2508 words long]
Navigate
- Introduction
-
Chapter 1: Is Chemical Dependency a Serious Problem?
- Chapter 1 Preface
- Teen Drug Abuse Is a Serious Problem
- Teen Drug Abuse Has Been Exaggerated
- Smoking Causes Significant Health Problems
- Smoking-Related Health Problems Have Been Exaggerated
- Prescription Drug Abuse Is a Growing Problem
- The Media Have Exaggerated the Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis
- Chapter 1 Periodical Bibliography
- Chapter 2: What Causes Chemical Dependency?
-
Chapter 3: What Drug Treatment and Prevention Programs Are Effective?
- Chapter 3 Preface
- Needle-Exchange Programs Can Reduce the Transmission of AIDS
- Needle-Exchange Programs Do Not Reduce the Transmission of AIDS
- Drug Tests of Pregnant Women Are Necessary
- Drug Tests of Pregnant Women Are Discriminatory
- Alcoholics Anonymous Can Reduce the Problems Caused by Drinking
- Harm-Reduction Approaches Can Reduce the Problems Caused by Drinking
- Methadone Is the Most Effective Treatment for Heroin Addiction
- Chapter 3 Periodical Bibliography
-
Chapter 4: Should Drug Laws Be Reformed?
- Chapter 4 Preface
- The War on Drugs Can Succeed
- The War on Drugs Has Failed
- Drug Use Should Be Decriminalized
- Drug Use Should Not Be Decriminalized
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences Are Essential to the War on Drugs
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences Are Ineffective and Unfair
- Drug Courts Are a Promising Solution to the Drug Problem
- Drug Courts Have Not Reduced the Drug Problem
- Chapter 4 Periodical Bibliography
- For Further Discussion
- Organizations to Contact
- Bibliography
- Copyright
Tell a friend about Chemical Dependency at eNotes.
