Perspectives Emerging From Neuroscience on How People Become Addicted and What to Do About It.

This article reviews the new ideas emerging from neuroscience regarding the question of why some people are compelled to use drugs. During the process of drug exposure, the brain's motivational system is changed and these changes, along with changes in the brain's self-regulatory structures, compel an individual to use drugs. Ways to reverse those changes in an addicted brain have been identified, as have ways to enhance self-regulatory control. The information from neuroscience offers a new perspective on “loss of control” as well as offering implications for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]