{"id":5285,"date":"2014-04-05T16:32:39","date_gmt":"2014-04-05T20:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ivbar4u.com\/blog\/?p=5285"},"modified":"2014-04-05T16:32:39","modified_gmt":"2014-04-05T20:32:39","slug":"prefrontal-cortex-addiction-executive-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ivbar4u.com\/blog\/prefrontal-cortex-addiction-executive-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"Prefrontal cortex in addiction: The Executive Brain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Effect of Right and Left PFC<\/a><\/h1>\n
\"The<\/a>
Studies around problems in the brains prefrontal cortex have been associated with Impulsive<\/a> action; a trait of addictive behavior.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The prefrontal cortex in addiction (PFC) is that portion of the brain located in the very front of the brain, just behind the forehead. It\u2019s in charge of abstract thinking and thought analysis it is also responsible for regulating behavior. This includes mediating conflicting thoughts, making choices between right and wrong, and predicting the possible outcomes of actions or events. This brain area also governs social control, such as suppressing emotional or sexual urges. Since the prefrontal cortex is the brain center responsible for taking in data through the body’s senses and deciding on actions, it is most strongly implicated in human qualities like consciousness, general intelligence, and personality<\/p>\n

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Function<\/a><\/h2>\n

This vital region of the brain regulates thought in terms of both short-term and long-term decision making. It allows humans to plan ahead and create strategies, and also to adjust actions or reactions in changing situations. Additionally, the PFC helps to focus thoughts, which enables people to pay attention, learn, and concentrate on goals. This area is also the part of the brain that allows humans to consider several different yet related lines of thinking when learning or evaluating complex concepts or tasks. The prefrontal cortex in addiction also houses active, working memory.<\/p>\n

The Prefrontal Cortex in Addiction<\/a><\/h3>\n

Chemical\u00a0addiction<\/a> is classified as a mental illness, such that addiction changes the brain in fundamental ways. An addiction disturbs a person\u2019s normal hierarchy of needs and desires and substitutes new priorities connected with using drugs or alcohol. The resulting compulsive behaviors that override the ability to control impulses despite the consequences are similar to hallmarks of other mental illnesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Signs of Prefrontal Cortex Damage<\/a><\/h4>\n