The Biology Of Addiction And Substance Seeking Behaviors

INTRODUCTION Alcohol related disorders affect over seventy-six million people (13) around the world and the economic cost of alcohol addiction in the U.S. alone is at least $246 billion annually (17). Animal models have been used extensively in research to understand the biology of addiction and substance seeking behaviors. These models offer the advantage of having greater control and manipulation of variables that are constrained in human testing. Research studies have established the commonality of the biological processes involved in substance seeking behavior across mammals (13). Rodents are the most universally used animal model today in alcohol research, while invertebrate models are uncommon. Planarians of the Phylum Platyhelminthes are the simplest multicellular organisms and have many homologous systems to humans. Structurally, the invertebrate has a rudimentary nervous system with a cerebral ganglia connected to two nerve cords interlocked by transversal nerves that extend throughout its body. Chemically, planarians produce serotonin, dopamine, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and have acetylchlorine (ACH) receptors and Glutamate Carboxypetidase II (GCII) inhibitors in their nervous system (12, 18, 19). Photo receptive ocelli with a negative phototaxis serve for visual aids, and explain the reason for their regression from light. While no respiratory, circulatory, or skeletal systems are present, carbon dioxide and oxygen are diffused into the organism’s cellsShow MoreRelatedAddiction Is The Most Common Addiction991 Words   |  4 PagesAddiction is more of a condition than a disease, and can be considered to be a behavioral disorder that stems from personal cho ice. Addiction is a controversial issue, and many people debate on whether addiction is seen as a disease or a personal choice. 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