AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The rewarding effects of substances involve activity in the nucleus accumbens, including activation of the brain’s dopamine and opioid signaling system.

Detailed explanation-2: -Biological models of addiction emphasize the importance of genetics and the biological forces of nature. These theories suggest that brain chemistry, brain structure, and genetic abnormalities cause human behavior. Many of these models have not been tested or applied to every specific type of addiction.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Crucial Reward Neurotransmitter in the Brain is Dopamine The crucial brain reward neurotransmitter activated by addictive drugs is dopamine, specifically in the “second-stage” ventral tegmental area to nucleus accumbens link in the brain’s reward circuitry.

Detailed explanation-4: -Just as drugs produce intense euphoria, they also produce much larger surges of dopamine, powerfully reinforcing the connection between consumption of the drug, the resulting pleasure, and all the external cues linked to the experience.

Detailed explanation-5: -All addictive drugs activate the reward system by directly raising the levels of dopamine. Although each addictive drug also has its own unique effects, which is why alcohol feels different from cocaine or heroin, stimulation of the dopamine component of the reward system seems to be a common denominator.