"The motivations and consequences of methamphetamine use examined in previous chapters clearly suggest that treatment models should be holistic in their approach and imbue a biopsychosocial paradigm that considers mind-body connections. Biopsychosocial methodologies consider the interplay between the intrapsychic and biological processes of persons, their behaviors, the physical and mental health consequences of these behaviors, and individual influences. Such treatment approaches support the view of addiction as a chronic brain disease (Leshner, 1997). Specifically, imaging research has concluded that the methamphetamine-addicted brain has depleted dopamine function, reduced cellular activity in the frontal cortex, which affects decision making, and that reduced dopamine receptor levels may create a higher level of vulnerability to methamphetamine abuse and addiction (Fowler, Volkow, Kassed, & Chang, 2007). Taken together, these elements indicate treatment modalities that underscore the biological elements of addiction, in addition to intrapsychic, behavioral, and environmental processes."
- From Methamphetamine Addiction, by Perry N. Halkitis (pg. 108)
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