To know how addiction develops?, it must be known that there is a part of the brain responsible for addiction, the name of this part of the brain, is the limbic system, also known as the brain reward system, which is responsible for producing a feeling of happiness.
How does addiction develop?
The human brain is a complex organ that controls every voluntary and involuntary action we take, and the brain controls basic motor skills, heart and respiratory rates, emotions, behavior, and decision-making.
When someone takes an addictive substance, the limbic system releases chemicals that make the user feel good, and this encourages habitual drug use.
The compelling and involuntary need to use a substance – regardless of the harm it may cause – is due to actual changes that have occurred in the brain’s reward system, and priority number one becomes nurturing addiction.
Activation of the brain reward system
The question is how addiction develops, with the use of addictive substances activates the brain’s reward system, and repeatedly activating this system with drugs can lead to falling into addiction traps, and this is where addiction develops.
The brain’s reward system is naturally activated when we engage in actions that are good for us. It is part of our natural ability to adapt and survive. When something activates this system, the brain assumes that something necessary for survival has occurred. The brain then rewards that behavior by creating feelings Happinese.
Drinking water when you are thirsty, for example, activates the reward system, so we repeat this behavior, how addiction develops, as previously mentioned that addictive substances hijack this system, causing feelings of pleasure for already harmful actions, unfortunately, addictive substances It has a much stronger effect on the brain’s reward system.
The biochemistry of addiction
Dopamine plays an important role in the reward system. Dopamine is a natural brain chemical that sends signals to the limbic system. When introduced into the limbic system, drugs either mimic dopamine or cause increased production of dopamine in the brain, which is why normal actions that activate the brain’s reward system ( Food, drinking, sex, music, etc.) do not reprogram the brain to addiction because it produces normal levels of dopamine.
Addictive substances can cause up to 10 times more dopamine than normal reward behaviors.
After using drugs on a regular basis, the human brain cannot produce its normal level of dopamine, and in essence, drugs take the reward system hostage.
The result is a craving for drugs that will bring dopamine levels back to normal. A person in this scenario is no longer able to feel satisfied without the drug.
Addictive substances and changes in the brain
Once someone develops an addiction, their brain is essentially resupplied with drug use despite the consequences. While the physical symptoms of addiction go away, situations or emotions related to drug abuse in the past can lead to cravings for years.
This does not mean that recovery is not possible, but people recovering from addiction should realize that treatment is an ongoing process, and as addiction evolves, addiction treatment evolves every day and improves rapidly over the years.
If you or someone you care about is struggling to overcome addiction, get help now (001008968989)
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