Biology, Genetics, and Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substances and Addictions I
Introduction
Reflect on what you know about various substances and their effects on the body. Why are the effects of these substances of concern? And how and why might substances affect individuals in different ways?

This week, you will begin to learn about the classifications of different drugs, their effects on the body, and their addictive properties and processes. You also will consider the role of biology and genetics in addiction.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this week, you should be able to:
? Compare the physiological effects, psychological effects, and addictive properties of substances
? Explain how biology and genetics may contribute to substance abuse and addiction
? Develop and justify a position on the role of biology and genetics in substance abuse and addiction

Learning Resources
This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of the assigned resources for this week. To view this week’s media resources, please use the streaming media player below.
Readings
? Course Text: Substance Abuse Counseling

o Chapter 3, “The Major Substances of Abuse and the Body” (pp. 51-79 and 93-95 only)
o Chapter 4, “Etiology of Substance Abuse: Why People Use” (pp. 105-110 only)
? Article: Prescott, C. A., Madden, P. A. F., & Stallings, M. C. (2006). Challenges in genetic studies of the etiology of substance use and substance use disorders: Introduction to the special issue. Behavior Genetics, 36(4), 473-482.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
? Article: Saxon, A. J., Oreskovich, M. R., & Brkanac, Z. (2005). Genetic determinants of addiction to opioids and cocaine. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 13(4), 218-232.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Media
? Video: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Substance abuse counseling: Substances and addictions. Baltimore: Author.

o with Dr. Tom Cargiulo

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 17 minutes.

Biology, Genetics, and Substance Abuse and Addiction
The relationship between genetics and substance abuse or addiction is a source of some controversy in the field. In this Application, you will consider how biological dispositions and genetics may influence substance abuse and addiction and develop a position on the topic.

To prepare for this assignment:
? Review this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on the information about potential biological and genetic influences on substance abuse and addiction.
? Consider how biology and genetics may influence substance abuse and addiction.
? Think about your position regarding the influence of biology and genetics on substance abuse and addiction.
The assignment: (1?2 pages)
? Explain and justify your position regarding the relationship between biology or genetics and substance abuse and addiction.
? Support your views with information from the Learning Resources.
Support your Application assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

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