Regulation of Food, Sex, and Drugs

Biological Factors

Hypothalamus
- Lateral Hypothalamus: Signals hunger through a positive feedback mechanism.
- Ventromedial Hypothalamus: Signals satiety when full.
Hormones
- Leptin: Appetite-suppressing hormone, present in high levels when full.
- Insulin: Brain detects levels to assess fat stores and sugar in blood.
Metabolism
- Slows down during dieting or starvation, affecting weight gain when resuming normal eating.
Genetics
- Genetic predisposition influences weight and set point.

Occasions & Time: Eating habits influenced by occasions and meal times (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Desire & Appeal: Cravings for comfort, spicy, or sweet foods; food appeal affects eating.
Availability
- Seasonal availability (e.g., fruits).
- Geographical and economic access to various foods.

Sexual Response Cycle (Masters and Johnson)
- Excitement Phase: Increased muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- Plateau Phase: Stabilization.
- Orgasm: Peak.
- Resolution/Refractory Period.
Testosterone: Influences sexual drive in both males and females.

Variability in sexual responses based on age and cultural background.
Stimulus & Responsiveness: Initiated by visual or tactile stimuli.
Emotions & Desires: Psychological influences, including the desire to procreate.

Genetic Predisposition: Family history of mental disorders or drug abuse increases risk.
Withdrawal Effects: Biological basis for withdrawal and cravings.
Biochemical Factors
- Drugs can mimic neurotransmitters or cause abnormal neurotransmitter release (e.g., dopamine).
- Impact on the limbic system, affecting mood and emotion.

Reasons for Drug Use
- Curiosity, novelty, social rebellion, stress management, low self-esteem.
- Coping with fatigue or to achieve a feeling of euphoria.
Higher prevalence of drug use in areas of poverty.