Title : A new direction in the physiology of adaptation
Abstract:
The oral and video versions of the presentation demonstrate that modern physiological science cannot explain the biological mechanisms by which the body shifts from one adaptation range to a higher one when the intensity of external stimuli increases above sub-extreme levels, as seen in substance dependence. A new approach to the physiology of adaptation explains the mechanism by which the body increases tolerance during substance dependence. A physiological mechanism by which the body, dependent on psychoactive substances, protects against extreme doses is revealed. Initially, this protection occurs through compensatory hypertrophy of the endocrine glands, transforming the potentially extreme effects of the psychoactive substance into sub-extreme ones. As the endocrine glands become depleted, the body's receptors signal the need to reduce the psychoactive substance dose to sub-extreme levels. Pathology does not develop. This previously unknown process of adaptation is called progressive adaptation. The scientific work demonstrates that substance dependence is not a disease, but a state of progressive adaptation. Thus: Substance dependence is a state of progressive adaptation leading to the depletion of the body's defense mechanisms, associated somatic illnesses, and social problems.
