PHARM 3101 - Biological and Psychosocial Factors in Addictions

Everyone differs in their susceptibility to develop addiction. We respond differently to drugs of abuse, have different side-effects and develop problem behaviour at a different rate. This course explores the factors that can increase or decrease the chance that someone will develop addictive behaviour. We will explore the effects of individual substances and learn how the body adapts to continued drug use. Addiction is more than just using drugs often. The biological changes that happen with long-term drug use go far beyond the initial local adaptations in the brain. Understanding this is important to help people manage their long-term use. In this course, we will explore the biological basis of addictions, but also review environmental and psychological factors that are important contributors to the development of addiction. Behavioural addictions have a lot in common with substance addictions. We will explore these links and look at other new developments in the research on the biological basis of addiction.