“Addiction” is a word that is often used casually … we’re “addicted” to our phones, to chocolate, etc. But, what is addiction in the clinical sense? How do addictive substances, such as alcohol or cocaine, affect the brain and body to lead to addiction? We’ll talk with Dr. Nicole Schramm-Sapyta about the biological, psychological, and sociological causes of addiction. If we understand the complex array of causes of addiction, then we will begin to see solutions to which we can all contribute.
Tonight’s guest
Dr. Nicole Schramm-Sapyta is an Associate Professor of the Practice and Associate Director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. She teaches two courses at Duke in the area of the neuropharmacology of drug addiction: “Drugs and the Law” and “Reward and Addiction.” Her past research has explored the underlying causes of adolescent vulnerability to drug addiction using rodent models. Her current interests include raising public awareness about addiction in efforts to help create effective public policy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from N.C. State University in 1994 and her doctoral degree in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University in 2000.
Please note all programs are in Eastern Time Zone (US and Canada).
Science Tonight is a livestream show for curious minds. Host Chris Smith talks with interesting people making exciting, everyday discoveries in science, nature, tech and more. Watch every Thursday night to grow your brain and get the latest stories in the science world.