The word “addiction” is derived from a Latin term for “enslaved by” or “bound to.” Anyone who has struggled to overcome an addiction understands why.
Addiction exerts a long and powerful influence on the brain that manifests in three distinct ways: craving for the object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. Addiction changes[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning and motivation.
Addiction is today recognised as a chronic disease that changes both brain structure and function. Just as cardiovascular disease damages the heart and diabetes impairs the pancreas, addiction hijacks the brain. This happens as the brain goes through a series of changes, beginning with recognition of pleasure and ending with a drive toward compulsive behaviour. In nature, rewards usually come only with time and effort.
Addictive drugs and behaviors provide a shortcut, flooding the brain with dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Our brains do not have an easy way to withstand the onslaught.
Over time, the brain adapts in a way that actually makes the sought-after substance or activity less pleasurable. People who develop an addiction typically find that, in time, the desired substance no longer gives them as much pleasure.
They have to take more of it to obtain the same dopamine “high” because their brains have adapted—an effect known as tolerance. At this point, compulsion takes over and the person needs to continue with the substance, not being able to function properly without it.
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