A Review of the Physiological, Neurological and Behavioural Aspects of Addiction

Abstract

Modern psychological and physiological theories of addiction are defined and reviewed. As well, the concept of an addictive personality is addressed and evaluated. On the one hand, psychological theories of addiction are described as either withdrawal driven, disorders of appetite, or motivational process disorders. Physiological theories, on the other hand, suggest that behavioural or pharmacological overstimulation of brain areas, such as the mesolimbic dopamine system, can explain addictive behaviour. Both dependence and withdrawal have been explained in terms of biological research, however, behavioural terminology (operant conditioning theory) has been cited in conjunction with biological theory. Further, a review of research pertaining to an addictive personality shows that the concept of an addictive personality is contentious, with investigations in this area showing a substantial number of methodological errors. Nevertheless, some investigators suggest that a stable trait can influence a person's addictive behaviour.