The Brain-Behavioral Connection in Substance Use Disorders and Effects Associated with Injectable Opioid Prescription

The conception of substance dependence as a complex brain disorder calls into question folk-psychological views on the voluntary control of behavior and challenges the popular theory of Cartesian dualism. Although brain abnormalities in substance dependence have long been suspected, only in recent years has research begun to more clearly delineate brain alterations, correlating with measurable changes in behavior. However, no characteristic change has been found and the research findings are equivocal. On the other hand, the brain-behavioral connection in substance dependence offers insight into novel therapeutic approaches and helps to remove the pejorative undertone that often surrounds individuals with opioid or other substance dependence.