Neurobehavioral Model of Addiction

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Abstract
A model is presented which shows addiction as a disease resulting from the involuntary adaptation of the nervous system to a drug. The ability of various addictive drugs to mimic neurotransmitters results not only in biochemical adaptation of these neurochemicals and other chemical elements of the brain but also programmed/trained/physically enhanced nervous pathways involved in drug-seeking behavior and weakened or inhibited pathways leading to non-chemical rewards. Recovery involves removal of the chemical and retraining the survival system. Counterconditioning retrains the system that the drug doesn't work. Counseling/support and positive training/experience teach the system that the individual does work. The model reviews the role of genetics, neurochemistry, conditioning, self-esteem, family, support and therapy in the progression of disease and its recovery.

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