Title : The neurobiology of addiction: The mind and body connection
Abstract:
The purpose of this presentation is to educate participants on the fundamental components of neurobiology of addiction. The presenters will examine neurobiology concepts related to addiction and treatment. Research has been conducted over the past decade revealing the relevance of the mind and body connection in substance abuse and addiction treatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016; Uhl et al., 2019). A primary outcome of previous neurobiologically-related research has been an exploration of how changes at the molecular, cellular, and neurocircuitry levels may help explain the manner in which some individuals transition from occasional, controlled substance use to an increase in drug intake and chronic addictive behaviors (Koob et al., 2008). The ability to conceptualize the impact of these changes may help professionals in identifying potential factors related to the development of addictive behaviors.
Likewise, while preventive and treatment interventions may decrease substance use and substance use disorders, the results of commonly implemented prevention and treatment strategies can be short term (Uhl et al., 2019). Additionally, research has highlighted the role that neurobiological changes, genetic markers, and epigenetic adaptations play in relation to addictive behaviours (Uhl et al., 2019). While addiction may be initiated as a goal-directed behaviour yearning for a specific high or pleasure, stress and trauma can influence an individual’s decision-making process impacting their ability to engage in adaptive coping mechanisms (Uhl et al., 2019). Given these potential factors, health care professionals interested in effectively treating individuals with substance abuse and addiction may benefit from a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of addiction.
Through collaboration, multi-disciplinary teams with a foundational understanding of neurobiology and the mind—body connection may build a therapeutic environment which fosters support for a safer and more responsive treatment for clients/patients. It may be viable for health care professionals to recognize and implement a biopsychosocial approach which entails addressing the biology, psychology, and sociology aspects of addiction. Additionally, psychoeducation on the neurobiology for individuals with substance abuse and addiction during the treatment process may positively impact their resilience and motivation to abstain from using substances. In this presentation, multidisciplinary collaborative partnerships, particularly those involving primary health providers and allied health professionals, will be explored. Finally, a biopsychosocial framework for neurobiologically informed treatment along with potential resources for treatment professionals will be provided.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Review the neurobiology of addiction, including the reward pathway, the role of neurotransmitters, and how addiction affects brain function.
- Examine the connection between addiction and the mind-body system, including the impact of stress and trauma on addiction and the importance of mindfulness-based interventions.
- Explore recent research on addiction and the mind-body connection, including potential factors related to addiction and the use of neuroscience-based treatments.
- Identify strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of evidence-based mind-body approaches into addiction treatment.
