The intersection of science, the brain and addiction

Addiction is often a difficult, chronic and confusing condition that can tear families apart.

There is a push on the federal level and in Seattle to inject more science into treating the disease, which is being linked to dysfunctions in the brain.

On Thursday, Dr. Nora Volkow, head of the federal National Institute on Drug Abuse, visited Seattle to talk about the intersection of science, the brain and addiction at a luncheon sponsored by the Science and Management of Addictions Foundation of Seattle.

The research psychiatrist spent a few minutes with the Seattle P-I before taking the stage.

If you had one minute to convince someone why addiction is an illness, and not some sort of messy weakness or behavioral problem, what would you say?

"Now that we have the technologies to actually take pictures (of) the chemistry and function of the brain we are able to identify the specific changes in chemistry and function in people who are addicted.

"These are areas that normally allow you to control your behaviors and your desires and emotions.

"And the disease addiction is one that results because there is dysfunction of these areas that normally in you and me allows us to control not doing something because it would be harmful...

"We are also (working) ...to teach people to activate their frontal cortex, which is what allows you to put the brakes on your desire."

You were born in Mexico, and then you worked in nuclear medicine. How did you end up running a substance abuse agency?

"Well, I have always been fascinated by the effect of drugs on the human brain, and I have always been fascinated by addiction.

"How is it possible a drug can produce a slave out of a human where the person will do anything in order to take a drug? And I am intrigued by it because it's a fundamental of what we call free will. The ability to make choices and with addiction you basically undermine your ability to do so.

"I work with imaging because it really is the only way you currently have of looking into the brain and inquiring it and asking the questions, Well, what's wrong?' " If you are worried about your kids? Do you have any tips?

"(The) No 1 prevention as a parent is to get involved with your children.

"It is the best investment you can do in the child. Is it guaranteed you get involved with your children that he will never become addicted or take drugs? No, there is no guarantee. There are no guarantees in life. But it is certainly the best investment you can do.

"Second, don't be complacent and believe because you were never attracted to drugs, you don't know anyone that is attracted to drugs, and (because) you are giving your kid very good education, support, that he will never become addicted

"Be always aware as a parent that adolescence is an age of risk.

"Do not be self-deceptive 'Oh my child may be drinking too much, or be smoking marijuana here or there. I did it in the past, nothing happened to me.'

"Learn to recognize signs and symptoms that your kids may be taking drugs."