This article is basically an in depth review of the the book written by Dr. Norman Doidge, "the Brain That Changes Itself". Its a good credible site because it comes from the New York Times, one of the most well known newspapers in the world, with some of the best writers. There is also very good information on the topic as well.

*note* Back in the day, the we thought that the adult brain was set and stone, unable to be moulded or just a "immutable machine". Now in the present day its a lot more complex as it can re circuit its own anatomy while responding to injury.

*note* Good example of neuroplasticity: Amputee has a phantom inch in a missing hand. It torments him. Scientists figured out that a simply itch on his cheek actually relieves him of the itch. Also a man who experiences phantom elbow pains, can be relieved of this by putting his arm in a box of mirrors, making it look as if he still had his other arm due to the mirror image.

In this article, it basically is an overview of an interview with Dr. Norman Doidge. I have chosen this site because it publishes real magazine's to the public. This article is written by a professional interviewer and gets good information out of Norman Doidge and all the info is from the man himself.

*note* The brain is easily tricked in certain situations. Dr. Doidge gives an example of a stroke victim who loses power of one arm, and how if they put it in a cast or a sling and tricks the brain into believing that this is the reason it is immobile, then theres a possibility it can be re used.

*note* The further studies of the topic of neuroplasticity is not where close to being completed. Dr. Doidge is going to write another book on the subject, and complete his quest on figuring out all the mysteries behind neuroplasticity.

This site is a very good site because it talks about Gabor Mate's view of addiction and it's told in a very easy manner. This is a reliable source because its a website were a community of people can share and brainstorm knowledge on a common subject, based off readings from certain articles, magazines and blogs. This opens a variety of different insights and ideas to the topic.

*sticky note* Drugs are used to escape distress. Addicts are in a way, "self medicating" themselves for common problems like depression and anxiety. This is usually always originates from pain or post experiences.

*sticky note* The environment around us is ESSENTIAL in how our brain grows and develops, we need constant emotional support, nutrition and physical security. Without these it leads to addiction and other things like added stress and so on.

It was very interesting to read about the research in this article because it talks in depth as to how the brain is effected when introduced to drugs and when addiction sets in. This is a reliable source because the website has gathered certain academics, psychiatrists, psychologists and authors who share ideas based on different topics surrounding psychology.

*sticky note* The brain reacts to new substances entering the brain from the outside, like drugs, and these new stimuli's interfere with chemical messengers that are all over our brain essentially affecting us.

*sticky note* Solomon Snyder and his student Candace Pert added a lot to a new theory of addiction by finding and studying Opium receptors in the brain. Which is a brain circuit that is affected in the brain of addicts.