Drug Addiction - PSY00015H
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
In this course we'll be getting to grips with the full force of drug addiction and so will be taking an in-depth look at the causes of addiction from both psychological and biological perspectives, including the emotional consequences as experienced by real people. Theories of drug addiction and related therapies will be assessed in light of earlier work carried out during the module.
Each session will consist of a lecture by Gavin Phillips followed by discussion groups, from small to the group as a whole..
Module learning outcomes
- Describe the basic evidence which suggests that dopamine is a key neurotransmitter of the brain mediating the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse.
- Outline the evidence indicating that the 'natural' function of the mesoaccumbens dopamine projection to mediate the behavioural control exerted by secondary reinforcers.
- Provide a commentary on the neurological bases of drug craving.
- Explain how stressful experiences appear to sensitise permanently the mesoaccumbens dopamine projection, and outline the potential significance of sensitisation for drug addiction.
- Outline and evaluate current theories of drug addiction.
Module content
- Introduction to Drug Addiction
- Neural Bases of Reward
- Dopamine & Conditioning
- Drug Craving
- Sensitisation
- Drug ‘Wanting’ vs. Drug ‘Liking’
- Addiction: From Actions to Habits
- Treatment Options
- Theories of Drug Addiction
- Revision
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
Indicative reading
Although there is no textbook for the course, relevant sections of the following book on learning and memory, reward and addiction are superb, and would provide suitable background information:
Carlson, NR. (2016). Physiology of Behaviour. 12th Edition. Allyn & Bacon, MA, USA.