Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
neurophysiological substrates, alcohol addiction, brain substrates
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Research in my lab is dedicated to the elucidation of brain substrates underlying drug addiction. Elder Boyd K. Packer has stated, “It is my conviction, and my constant prayer, that there will come through research, through inspiration to scientists if need be, the power to conquer narcotic addiction through the same means which cause it.”(Packer 1989). This plea from Elder Packer is emblazoned on a poster at the entrance to my laboratory to remind us of the seriousness of addiction research and the stranglehold that addiction has on the lives of many of God’s children. We study critical brain circuits involved in natural rewarding behaviors and drug addiction. I proposed a mentored project in my laboratory in 2009 to characterize the neurophysiological substrates of alcohol addiction. We have made significant progress on this project thanks to this funding and the students under my purview. Indeed, we published three original, peer-reviewed articles directly related to this project. Here are the citations:
Recommended Citation
Steffensen, Dr. Scott
(2013)
"Neurophysiological Substrates of Alcohol Addiction,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1798.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1798