Brain Dopamine Receptor Density Correlates With Social Statu

[Vegan Joe]

Brain Dopamine Receptor Density Correlates With Social Status

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100203084254.htm

 

ScienceDaily (Feb. 7, 2010) — People have typically viewed the benefits that accrue with social status primarily from the perspective of external rewards. A new paper in the February 1st issue of Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier suggests that there are internal rewards as well.

 

...Dr. Martinez explains their findings: "We showed that low levels of dopamine receptors were associated with low social status and that high levels of dopamine receptors were associated with higher social status. The same type of association was seen with the volunteer's reports of social support they experience from their friends, family, or significant other."

 

..."These data shed interesting light into the drive to achieve social status, a basic social process. It would make sense that people who had higher levels of D2 receptors, i.e., were more highly motivated and engaged by social situations, would be high achievers and would have higher levels of social support."

 

...These data also may have implications for understanding the vulnerability to alcohol and substance abuse, as the work of Dr. Nora Volkow, the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and colleagues suggests that low levels of D2/D3 receptors may contribute to the risk for alcoholism among individuals who have family members who abuse alcohol. The current data suggest that vulnerable individuals with low D2/D3 receptors may be vulnerable to lower social status and social supports, and these social factors have previously been suggested as contributors to the risk for alcohol and substance use. ...

[CollegeB]

I find this research interesting. They are indeed finding that people can become addicted to social interaction. This does have implications with the juveniles I currently work with. They all have diagnosed substance use disorders, and all claim to be gang bangers, pimps, or excellent drug dealers. So we have the social status part, and substance use!

 

Thanks for posting this Joe