This permanent absence of synaptic plasticity would explain why
drug seeking behaviour becomes resistant to environmental constraints (difficulty in procuring the substance, adverse consequences of taking the drug on health, social life, etc.) and consequently more and more compulsive.
"He seeks out fulfilment of his compulsion in much the same way the drug abuser engages in
drug seeking behaviour. This is pathological behaviour that requires effective treatment.
"These studies have wide implications for addressing the number-one cause of relapse to
drug seeking behaviour. If we can successfully block drug-induced reinstatement, then our ability to block environmental cue-induced relapse is significantly enhanced," Dewey said.