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Substance-Related, Addictive, & Impulse-Control Disorders — Causes, Effects, and Treatments Explained | Chapter 10 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology Chapter 10 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology examines substance-related and addictive behaviors as well as impulse-control disorders. You’ll learn how various drugs affect the brain and body, what drives compulsive use, and which evidence-based treatments—from medication to behavioral therapies—offer the best outcomes. Use this guide to reinforce your understanding and boost your exam performance. Watch the Chapter Summary Prefer an audio-visual overview? Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture and watch the full Chapter 10 summary below. Overview of Substance-Related Disorders Substance-related disorders involve compulsive use of psychoactive substances despite harmful consequences. Key features include tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect), withdrawal symptoms, and loss of control. Clinicians classify sev...

Exploring Consciousness, Sleep, and Psychoactive Drugs — Brain States and Drug Effects Explained | Psychology Chapter 3 Summary This detailed summary of Chapter 3 from Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall explores critical topics linking mind and brain: consciousness, sleep, and psychoactive drugs. Understanding these areas helps illuminate how mental states and external substances shape our thoughts, behaviors, and health. Watch the full YouTube podcast summary for an engaging explanation of these complex concepts. Consciousness and Dual Processing Consciousness is our awareness of ourselves and our environment. Yet much mental activity happens unconsciously. The brain processes information simultaneously on two levels: Conscious “high road” : Controlled, deliberate thinking. Unconscious “low road” : Automatic, intuitive processing. This dual processing explains phenomena like inattentional blindness (missing visible stimuli when focu...

Addiction, Medication, and the Pain Paradox — Opioids, Buprenorphine, and Broken Balance in Dopamine Nation What happens when our solutions to pain create new problems? In Chapter 6 of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, MD, we delve into the tangled relationship between addiction, medication, and pain. This chapter draws on the story of Chris—a high-achieving student whose struggles with mental health, opioid use, and treatment with buprenorphine illustrate the difficult realities of modern addiction and the double-edged nature of medical interventions. 🎥 Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more deep dives into the science of addiction, mental health, and neuroscience: Chris’s Journey: From Promise to Pain Chris began his college life at Stanford with great promise but soon faced social isolation, mental health struggles, and a devastating suicide attempt. Turning to opioids provided...

How the Brain Balances Pleasure and Pain — Dopamine, Addiction, and Neuroplasticity in Dopamine Nation Why do endless pleasures often leave us feeling empty, dissatisfied, or craving more? In Chapter 3 of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, MD, we dive deep into the neurobiology of pleasure and pain, examining how the dopamine system drives addictive behaviors—and how our brains can adapt, heal, and regain balance. This chapter summary offers a detailed look at the science of addiction, tolerance, and neuroplasticity, equipping students, mental health professionals, and curious readers with vital knowledge to understand (and challenge) the modern cycle of overconsumption. 🎥 Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more expert breakdowns of essential psychology and neuroscience books: The Dopamine System: More Than Just Pleasure Dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter in the brain’s reward ...

Escaping Discomfort: The Pleasure-Pain Balance in Modern Addiction — Dopamine Nation Chapter 2 Summary What happens when our culture teaches us to run from pain instead of facing it? In Chapter 2 of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, MD, we examine the human stories and psychological concepts behind our growing discomfort with discomfort. This chapter summary offers a clear, practical exploration of why the modern world’s pursuit of constant pleasure can actually undermine our well-being. 🎥 Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more insightful breakdowns of complex psychology and mental health topics: Running from Pain: Patient Stories and Societal Trends Chapter 2 introduces us to three individuals—David, Kevin, and Sophie—each struggling in their own way with mental health, avoidance, and the allure of quick fixes: David: Faced anxiety and poor school performance, was diagnosed ...

The Science of Compulsive Overconsumption and Addiction — Dopamine Nation Chapter 1 Summary How does modern society’s abundance of pleasure drive addiction and compulsive behaviors? In this chapter-by-chapter summary of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, MD, we break down the core themes and insights of Chapter 1, “Our Masturbation Machines.” This summary is designed for students, lifelong learners, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the neuroscience behind addiction, self-control, and the dark side of modern indulgence. 🎥 Watch the full podcast summary below and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more insightful breakdowns: Jacob’s Story: The Human Face of Compulsive Behavior Chapter 1 opens with the story of Jacob, a middle-aged man whose secret battle with compulsive sexual behavior highlights the broader struggles of addiction in today’s world. Starting with childhood habits and escalating to building his own “mastu...