Although the brain was once seen as a rather static organ, it is now clear that the organization of brain are constantly changing due to experiences in life These changes are referred to as brain plasticity, and they are associated with functional changes that include phenomena such as memory, addiction, and recovery of function. Recent research has shown that brain plasticity and behavior can be influenced by a many factors, including drugs, disease, and stress. Understanding how these factors influence brain organization and function is important not only for understanding both normal and abnormal behavior, but also for designing treatments for behavioral and psychological disorders ranging from addiction to stroke.
Many people who take stimulant drugs like nicotine or cocaine do so for their potent psychoactive effects. The long-term behavioral consequences of abusing such psychoactive drugs are now well documented, but there is still research going on how long term effects effect the nervous system. One experimental demonstration of a very persistent form of drug experience-dependent plasticity is known as behavioral sensitization. For example, if a rat is given a small dose of amphetamine, it initially will show a small increase in motor activity (e.g., locomotion, rearing). When the rat is given the same dose on subsequent occasions, however, the increase in motor activity increases, or sensitizes, and the animal may remain sensitized for weeks, months, or even years, even if drug treatment is discontinued.
The readings and the article both say changes in behavior that occur as a consequences of past experiences can persist for months or years. The connection between drug-induced sensitization and memory led us to ask whether people who are sensitized to drugs of abuse exhibit long-lasting changes similar to those associated with memory.
he information I learned was not shocking to me. Growing up a very good friend suffered from a drug addiction. I observed the changes in his behavior, After the reading I was able to understand how these factors influence brain organization and function is important not only for understanding both normal and abnormal behavior, but also for designing treatments for behavioral and psychological disorder and addictions.
