13 episodes

What makes some people develop an addiction while others don't? Could genes or social environment influence addictive behaviours? In this album, scientists in the US and the UK explore the psychology and biology of addiction by subjecting a recovering alcoholic and his sister, a non-addict, to a range of physiological, psychological and genetic studies. The results raise interesting questions about brain patterns underlying addictions, and how addiction should be treated. This material forms part of The Open University course SD805 Issues in brain and behaviour.

Investigating addiction - for iPad/Mac/PC The Open University

- Education

- 19 APR 2010
Investigating addiction

Investigating addiction

A short introduction to this album.
- 55 sec
- 3 SEPT 2008
- video
Physiological aspects of addictions

Physiological aspects of addictions

A look at what can happen to our brain if we become addicted and a discussion of the long term effects.
- 6 min
- 3 SEPT 2008
Transcript -- Physiological aspects of addictions

Transcript -- Physiological aspects of addictions

A look at what can happen to our brain if we become addicted and a discussion of the long term effects.
- 3 SEPT 2008
- video
The addiction files

The addiction files

Brian is an alcoholic on a journey to find out why he became an addict.
- 1 min
- 3 SEPT 2008
Transcript -- The addiction files

Transcript -- The addiction files

Brian is an alcoholic on a journey to find out why he became an addict.
- 3 SEPT 2008
- video
Social influences on addiction

Social influences on addiction

Brian's social experiences are very different to that of his sister, Ann. Could that be a reason for his addiction?
- 5 min