The Contribution of Brain Chemicals to Addiction

Addiction is a common problem nowadays. Even though we are well aware of its adverse effects, a lot of people still get addicted. How come?

Addiction can be caused by a combination of factors. Environmental and social factors are some of the few things that contribute to addiction incidence. In this world we live in, the factors that can cause addiction are more varied than ever.

The modern world has a lot of conveniences, but it also has a lot of things we probably would be better off without. For instance, we could do with a little less of those ads that give the impression that smoking cigarettes is cool and drinking beer is fun. We could also probably do with a little less of those shows on rich kids always shooting up and taking all sorts of drugs – all the while looking so happy about it.

Admittedly, banning these ads and shows will not lead to the complete elimination of addiction. However, it would at least make such addictive substances less appealing, especially to adolescents who may try experimenting and get easily and readily hooked. Unfortunately for our teens, once they are hooked at a very young age – when the brain is still developing – they will have a very difficult time ahead of them.

Studies have shown that brain chemicals play a big role in enhancing and reinforcing the individual’s dependence on drugs. Drug addiction is not just caused by the environment but also by the chemical processes in the brain.

The Human Brain and the Reward System

The human brain is a complex organ. It has evolved through the course of time into something that regulates everything that makes man function, act and think the way he does. The brain has a reward system in place. Apparently, this reward center is the source of glad feelings – that which make us feel good about ourselves and life in general. This is our brain’s way of motivating us to do something that’s good for us, really – when we do something good, our brain rewards us for doing it.

It’s much more complex than that, of course. This reward system is in place for our own survival. One of the examples is food intake and procreation. They are governed by specific systems in the brain. The interaction of food such as sugar and fats activate taste receptors which in turn stimulate the brain reward mechanisms. The brain’s reward system produces changes such as mood elevation and a feeling of intense pleasure. As a result, we will want to eat and we will want to have sex again because we feel good when we do them – and this, in turn, promotes our survival because we need both food and progeny for our species to survive.

However, brain chemicals are not the only things that can activate the reward system. This system can also be activated by certain chemicals. Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine are some of these chemicals that can make us feel good – and we become addicted to these chemicals as a result.

How It Works

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter – a carrier of brain signals. It plays a role in regulating an individual’s moods. It is also involved in the process of motivation and rewards in our brain. It is found at the dopamine’s mesolimbic system, which is very important in the motivational process of the brain. During normal activity the dopamine is produced at a slow rate. Dopamine’s mesolimbic system is spontaneously active but the potential is produced at a low rate. At this rate the individual maintains and experiences a normal mood.

Some drugs, however, become highly addictive by enhancing the activity of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Nicotine and alcohol can activate the brain’s reward system through moderate use; addictive drugs have a more intense effect. In any case, most addictive drugs result in high levels of dopamine and fast rates of dopamine production.

Since they make us feel so good, we use these substances again and again until our brain’s organization changes. The recreational substances become necessary substances. They become more necessary than food, sex and all the other natural triggers of the reward system. It no longer matters that a job well done is something that can give us a lot of pleasure; such a pleasure becomes inferior compared to the euphoria induced by the addictive substances.

Our threshold for euphoria involving these substances also gradually rises. A stick of cigarette will not have the same effect it once had after months of continuous smoking. In response, we will also gradually increase our intake, and soon we will be smoking more than a pack per day. The same is true for other addictive substances. Soon, a bottle of beer or one pill will not give us the same ‘high” that it used to; increased intake is inevitable.

Dopamine Activity Enhanced by Heroin

It is one of the most common, highly addictive drugs. It produces relaxation and intense euphoria. It increases dopamine production activity and thus increases the dopamine levels in the brain. High levels of dopamine activity increase the effect of the postsynaptic dopamine.

The increased dopamine activity produces the heroin’s effects on the individual. When its effect has worn off, the user becomes motivated to take more of the drug to experience more of the euphoria it causes.

Dopamine Activity Enhanced by Cocaine

Cocaine, on the other hand, prevents the reabsorption of dopamine. This causes the accumulation of dopamine and magnification of its effect. The increased dopamine levels produce euphoria and mood elevation, quite similar to the effect of heroin use.

Cocaine’s effect is rather short-lived. Thus, a cocaine addict will administer more of the drug for better results.

Combination Heroin and Cocaine: “Speedball”

Heroin and Cocaine may be combined for longer and more intense effects. This is known to users as “speed-ball”. They work in different parts on the dopamine’s mesolimbic system. The end result is even greater dopamine in the synapse. The combined activity of these drugs therefore produces a longer-lasting effect. This combination, however, is extremely dangerous for it causes rapid physiological and psychological deterioration to the user.

Conclusion

It is clear from the above discussion that our brain’s own chemical processes and activities can lead to addiction. Nevertheless, the final responsibility and accountability is still ours. The decision to start using or abusing substances is ours to make. The brain only adapts and reacts to the stimuli you give it.