Drug Addiction and the Brain

We are able to become physically dependent on a wide variety of substances, which results in what we call drug addiction. What does this look like from a neurophysiological standpoint? What does the drug-addicted brain look like? Let's take a look!

Check out "Is This Wi-Fi Organic?", my book on disarming pseudoscience!

[Guidus]

A drug is defined as "any substance that has a physiological effect". Whats interesting about this definition is that it also includes foods. For example, consuming chocolate increases tryptophan and subsequently serotonin. Even vitamines in food have a subsequent neuropharmacological effect. This is why in pharmacology the definition I was taught was "any substance that has a physiological effect BUT has NO nutritional value". I like that definition better because it gets a picture that resembles more what we think of when we say drugs.

[frankp]

I'm an engineering student whos been using your maths playlist to help me with my upcoming exams and I can't thank you enough, my girlfriend is doing physiotherapy and your anatomy playlist is amazing.

[CM-ngef]

I've literally never been more pumped for anything more than a pharmacology series from prof. dave.

[jacksonsneed]

EXTREMELY well done intro on the biophysical mechanics of addiction. I'm a C.A.C. I (Certified Addiction Counselor) in Georgia, and am gonna email you about maybe using this video in a group and/or lecture, so please keep an eye out. THANKS MUCH PROFESSOR!!

[ayoubsbai]

Man let me tell you, you are highly talented covering almost everything...Hats off to you sir.
And yes, happy new year

[jonathanmichaud]

Dave all your video are awesome👍👍. The only critism i can tell is sometimes the begining is too much about things we view in previous video, its useful but i little bit long. Keep the good work, i studied psychology and toxicology (im also an ex opioid/cocaïn addict) and you tell everything so accuratly its awesome! The only thing you missed is that alot of addict specialy in opioid addiction are people with PTSD, dépression, anxiety and are automedicating

[skullmonkey]

Am 46 and still dave you're a legend mate and am looking forward to learning more in 2020 happy new year buddy 😁😁

[davidsweeney]

Great video - can't wait for the Pharmacology Series!

[drvir]

I'm waiting for 2 things :
1. Pharmacology series
2. 1 million subscribers

[Barnardrab]

The nice thing about being a new subscriber is that these "Upcoming" videos are already available.

[yirehmiyahmagsayo]

Hello professor dave how we can we stop drug addiction and how dangerous specially illegal drugs ..specially in any addiction like gaming, alcohol and cigarittes...thank you for this...many people could be save...

[marioedrozo]

The homie professor Dave can’t wait for the new series

[srilekkha]

Nice topic.interesting to listen as chemistry student

[Zetsuke]

FIRST! always notification on so I can learn as soon as video is posted.

[peterlustig]

How on earth are you able to produce outstanding videos about such divers topics? What did he study? Does he have a doctor in universal knowledge?
I envy you and hope i can tip my hat from one legend to another one day.

[elecrivente]

I'd find interesting to understand how addiction works in the brain. I'm talking about the reward system mediated by dopamine. I don't know how to explain... I'd like a more neurological and less physiological sight of how different parts of the brain communicate when it comes to associative learning, and then how drug abuse effects this circuit.

[yirehmiyahmagsayo]

Professor dave can you make s series video of this of how we can stop for this for the solution of this killing addiction in life...woild be meaningful and save many life

[KillerAntx]

I want to become a nursing student hopefully these videos keep me educated. Better to watch this on my non-study time then fornite or something of that nature lol

[ectopicortex]

At minute 7:50 you mention an isolated rat only using drugged water. I wish you had mentioned Rat Park by researcher Bruce Alexander in 70's which added real world variables to the isolated rat experiment. Rat Park is also mentioned in TED Talk at minute 4:12 Everything you know about Addiction is wrong by Johann Hari also mentions real life Rat Park of Vietnam War and returning home.

[brandcack]

I’m about to do a presentation in Biopsych on the biological underpinnings of addiction, this was very helpful thanks so much!