Why do our bodies become addicted to some substances? Young psychologists explore the mechanisms of addiction through a video from the American Chemical Society's Reactions series. Content includes the cycle of addiction, changes that take place in the brain and body, and resources for recovery.

Concepts

the brain, hormones, addiction, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, drug abuse

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the video to highlight brain anatomy or biochemical processes in the body
• Plan a discussion about addiction and addictive substances for after the video to check the class' understanding

Classroom Considerations

• Make sure pupils understand the concept of chemical receptors before viewing the resource

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• The narrator points out other addictive behaviors aside from drugs and alcohol, such as overeating; this gives learners a clearer picture of addiction
• Animated brain anatomy helps viewers understand the structures and functions of the brain involved in addiction
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2