The Science Behind Drug Addiction

  •   Mon, Mar 18 2013
  •   Dr Urban D’Souza, School of Medicine, University Malaysia Sabah

March 18, 2013


‘You are unable to stop when you want to, despite being aware of the adverse consequences. It permeates your life; you spend more time satisfying’ – Dr Nora Volkow

Addiction is the repeated or continued use of any mood altering drug/substance or also a behaviour that involves adverse dependence. It may be due to neurological problems or may be neurological impairment leading to such behaviour. Addiction may include nicotine, alcohol, drugs, exercise, sex, gambling or also internet usage!

In the brain there is a ‘nucleus accumbens’ which is the pleasure center. This center always respond to food, sex, a chemical – dopamine and also to drugs. In addicted people this pleasure center is abnormal or damaged. Opiod drugs, alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine, cocaine, cannabinoids and amphetamines stimulate this center and the person feels all pleasure! Another small area in the brain called ventral tegmental area supplies the neurochemical, dopamine to the nucleus accumbens. There are reward circuits or wiring in the brain. In addicted people dopamine D2 receptors are lower in number. People who are addicted to drugs have a lower level of dopamine than normal. Scientific study has also proved that amphetamine users also have low levels of dopamine levels.

Addiction is a chronic progressive disease with craving for the used substance say – alcohol, cocaine etc., compulsion, no control on the abuse, despite any bad consequences continuation of use and prolonged long time (Chronic) usage.

Our genes also contributes to an extent for the cause of addiction.



A section of brain showing the different areas in it for a few functional differentiations


Nerve cells (neurons) interact functionally at specific junctions called synapses. This interaction is purely chemical through specific neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one such important chemical, which has a specific binding area called receptor in the next neuron.
 

 


What is drug abuse?

Drugs act as rewards. The reward neural pathway in the brain get stimulated so as to get the person a pleasurable (euphoric) moment. The natural rewards are food, water, sex, nurturing etc.,


ADDICTION is an appropriate term for excessive reliance on a specific stimulus (usually environmental) to evoke pleasure (or diminish pain).

It is state in which a person excessively engages in a compulsive behaviour such as sex, drug abuse, alcohol, smoking or even excessive internet use. This behaviour keep reinforced by reward and pleasure phenomenon and a stage wherein there complete loss of control and has to do in a compelling manner.


How does the morphine act in brain?



Coloured dots are the morphine binding
 



Even the rats self-administer heroin once they are addicted to it (in research experiments- operant boxes)



Every living creature looks for pleasure. Once the pleasure seeking becomes an obsession – addiction sets in. That’s why dear readers, “everything should be in moderation – be it food, drink, smoke, sex, internet and so on....

 
Dr Urban D’Souza, School of Medicine, University Malaysia Sabah
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Comment on this article

  • alban D' Souza , Udyavar, Mumbai-Doha Qatar

    Wed, Mar 20 2013

    Congratulations! writer gave a scientific view of man's brain.Writer clearly (warns) mentioned about the danger of having addiction drugs etc through these fantastic pictures of brain. The writer has good knowledge of the physiology and human brain. Man is controled by brain (His decision, pleasuer, choice, good or bad etc)...

    According to Pscyhology man is both normal and abnormal.It depends.More than that man is a moral being.So Some people wants to enjoy life (Materialistic) and some not (religius -Spiritual -God fearing etc). But the fact is one's choice and has Got freedom., but pleasure also should be limited then life will be good and enjoyable.

  • Ajith, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 19 2013

    Addiction is pure irresponsibility of a person.It is not convincing that there is some science behind it.It is simple, What dominates a person? The pleasure or responsibility towards people or causes which depend on him.

  • Preethi,

    Mon, Mar 18 2013

    Many people escape themselves saying, I am a Social Drinker. But s make ocean. Alcohol or Drug consumption seldom can really push the person into Drug/Alcohol addiction and finally end up into problems.


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