¹Assoc. Prof. Pamir DİRİL, ²Zafer GÜL

¹St. Clements University/Department of Psychology Lecturer/Turkey ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8913-343X

²PhD Student St. Clements University Psychology Industrial and Organisational Psychology/Turkey Orcıd ID No: 0009-0001-9772-9599

DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2025.v4i10n10

Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT

It is a widespread condition today that can cause serious social problems. This addiction causes profound changes in individuals' brain functions, paving the way for the development of neuropsychological disorders. At the root of addiction are functional disorders in areas of the brain such as the limbic structures and prefrontal cortex, which are particularly associated with the reward system. The impact on these regions causes serious disruptions in individuals' cognitive processes, such as impulse control, decision-making, memory, and attention. In addition, chemical imbalances occur under the influence of substances, which can lead to mood disorders such as emotional fluctuations, anxiety, depression, and irritability. These neuropsychological changes negatively affect individuals' daily lives and reinforce the cycle of addiction. The structural and functional changes that occur in the brain reveal that addiction has a deep neurobiological basis. Therefore, neuropsychological assessments and interventions are of great importance in the treatment of substance addiction. Research indicates that changes in the brain's reward circuits and decision-making mechanisms accelerate the progression of the addiction process. Consequently, substance addiction is a multifaceted health issue that must be addressed not only psychologically but also in terms of its neuropsychological dimensions. In this context, understanding the effects of addictive substances on the brain and developing effective intervention strategies play a key role in combating addiction.

KEYWORDS:

Brain Functions, neuropsychological disorders, emotional fluctuations, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, addiction cycle

REFERENCES

1) American Psychiatric Association (2013) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Diagnostic Criteria Reference Manual

2) (E. Köroğlu, trans.). Ankara: Physicians' Publishing Union.

3) Anderberg, R. H., Hansson, C., Fenander, M., Richard, J. E., Dickson, S. L., Nissbrandt, H., … Skibicka, K. P. (2016). The stomach-derived hormone, ghrelin, increases impulsive behaviour. Neuropsychopharmacology, 41(5), 1199-1209. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.297

4) Antonini, M., Lo Conte, M., Sorini, C., & Falcone, M. (2019). How the interplay between the commensal microbiota, gut barrier integrity, and mucosal immunity regulates brain autoimmunity. Frontiers in immunology, 10, 1937. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01937

5) Armour, J. A. and Ardell, J. L. (Eds.). (2004). Basic and Clinical Neurocardiology. New York: Oxford University Press.

6) Atkinson, R. L., Atkinson, R. C., Smith, E. E., Bem, D. J., and Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2010). Introduction to Psychology (Y. Alogan, trans.) (2nd ed.).

7) Ankara: Arkadaş Publishing House.

8) Baig, M. N., Chishty, F., Immesoete, P., & Karas, C. S. (2007). The Eastern heart and Galen’s ventricle: a historical review of the

9) purpose of the brain. Neurosurgical Focus, 23(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.3171/FOC-07/07/E3

10) Banikowski, A. K., & Mehring, T. A. (1999). Strategies to enhance memory based on brain research. Focus on Exceptional Children, 32(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.17161/foec.v32i2.6772

11) Beaumont, J. G. (2008). Introduction to Neuropsychology. New York: Guilford Press.

12) Bechara, A., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. R. (2000). Emotion, decision-making, and the orbitofrontal cortex. Cerebral Cortex, 10(3),

13) 295–307. https:// doi: 10.1093/cercor/10.3.295

14) Berhouma, M. (2013). Beyond the pineal gland assumption: A neuroanatomical appraisal of dualism in Descartes’ philosophy. Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 115(9), 1661-1670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.02.023.

15) Bergson, H. (2020). Theories of the soul, The human soul and personality (E.B. Altıntas, trans.). Istanbul: Pinhan Yayıncılık.

16) Björklund, A., & Dunnett, S. B. (2007). Dopamine neuron systems in the brain: an update. Trends in Neurosciences, 30(5), 194-202. DOI: https://doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2007.03.006

17) Bloom, F. E. (2006). Neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Goodman and Gilman: The pharmacological basis of therapeutics. McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 317-339.

18) Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Health Services. Substance Abuse Diagnosis and Treatment Guide Handbook. Ankara: Ministry of Health, 2012.

19) Işık A. The importance of school social services as a social policy application in combating substance abuse in Turkey. Society and Social Services 2018; 29(1): 208-

20) Sahu KK, Sahu S. Substance abuse causes and consequences. Bangabasi

21) Academic Journal 2012; 9: 52-59.

22) P. Diril & Ş.D. Onat (2024): Psychological and sociological issues of substance addiction on individuals 11-41

23) Dikeç G, Kutlu FY. Psychosocial problems of addicts as disadvantaged groups. Yılmaz M (editor). Disadvantaged Groups and Mental Health. 1st Edition. Ankara: Turkey Clinics, 2020: 50-55.

24) Jhanjee S. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions in substance use. Indian J Psychol Med 2014; 36 (2): 112-118.

25) Şener TA, Erdem E. Substance addiction in children and adolescents. Polat S (editor). Common Legal Problems in Childhood and Nursing Management. 1st Edition. Ankara: Turkey Clinics, 2020:18-24.

26) Gökler R, Koçak R. Drugs and substance addiction. Journal of Social Sciences Research 2008; 3(1): 89-104.

27) Akanbi MI, Augustina G, Theophilus AB, et al. Impact of substance abuse on academic performance among adolescent students of colleges of education in Kwara state, Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice 2015; 6(28): 108-112.

VOlUME 04 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025