Comments on: Science Tuesday: Once bitten… twice bitten… thrice bitten… d’oh!

By: arizaphale

arizaphale — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:33:23 +0000

Thank you David, I was going to suggest the same thing and also that it is infinitely superior. Would be interested in your response Chris.

As to dopamine…can’t take the ‘dope’ out of dopamine eh? hahaha sorry, I’ll be serious.

I’m with you Chris, I thought the test was ridiculously simple. Also subjective. We assume a frowning face is negative. For many children I teach that is exactly what they’re looking for!!!!

Addiction is indeed a complex and fascinating area. My sister is a recovering alcoholic and I myself rely rather heavily on my evening glass of sav blanc to soothe away the emotional drain of the day. The problem is that even though you KNOW it is not good for you…the good feeling outweighs the negative consequences most of the time. Oh and there’s also the addictive personality traits of extreme optimism and arrogance. One leads you to believe that this time you’ll know when to stop and the other to believe….er…this time you’ll know when to stop!

The effects of negative consequences from other events, like putting your hand on a hotplate for example, are far easier to learn. Even for alcoholics. No dopamine problems there!!!!!!!

An interesting study would be finding some gene which contributes to arrogance and optimism. Oh and the belief that you’re not worthwhile and that, contrariwise, the world revolves around you. Now, THERE”S some contributing factors to alcoholism.

By: david

david — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:12:01 +0000

for the original, listen to Ian Hunter’s first solo album

By: Jeff Keith

Jeff Keith — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:43:39 +0000

What about the effects of behavior on the release of certain hormones. Can you change the chemical releases in you brain over time because of repetitive behavior and thought patterns. I had seen studies a few years ago about a change in brain chemistry with people who often battled depression. My knowledge is very limited here.

By: Jessica K

Jessica K — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:10:33 +0000

I know the studies aren’t designed to treat people. I was just thinking the knowledge they give could help in the future. Seems like it would anyway.

By: CDV

CDV — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:16:44 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts, Jessica. I think the other thing you have to consider is that studies like these aren’t really designed to treat people – it’s more to get a basic understanding of how the brain works. Personally, I think addiction is beyond the scope of “science” to treat – there’s just much more to it than single gene mutations. The most effective “treatments” that I know of for addiction are not medical or scientific.

By: Jessica K

Jessica K — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:53:01 +0000

This is very interesting to me. Addictive behavior seems to run in the males of my family, some of them to an extreme. It’s always baffled me to see one of these guys in particular make bad choice after bad choice. No matter how many chances he’s been given, no matter the disastrous results of his behavior, he continues to make moronic choices. He has always said the same thing. “I don’t know why I did it. I just did.” Maybe if scientists can make something of this research, they can help guys like him. Let’s hope so…