The Neurochemistry of Addiction

There are many new discoveries in the way that the brain of an addict reacts, appears, and responds to things when compared to a normal brain. This is true before and during the addictive cycle, as well as into the process of recovery. Mental, emotional, and physical conditions result because of these differences in response.

Neurochemistry has discovered that pain is one of the areas where addicts’ brains respond differently than normal brains. If something hurts, a normal brain tells the person to remove themselves instantly from the source of the pain. It then creates a memory that tells the person to never repeat the actions that caused that pain. These processes involve chemicals like glutamate, norepinephrine, GABA, dopamine, corticosteroids, and serotonin. These are the body’s controls for regulating pain, depression, pain, and many other systems.

Two of those chemicals that behave and react profoundly differently in an addict’s brain are serotonin and dopamine. They may be abnormally lower or higher than in a normal brain. When the user does their first drug, dopamine goes to levels higher than any orgasm. It also lasts longer. It does not go back to a normal level, and in fact falls way below the levels that it rested at before. Obviously, this is not a good feeling. So the addict seeks another high to feel that good again. And the vicious cycle begins.

This also creates memories like the pain memories in the normal brain above. However, these are emotional memories and they will be attached to the people, places, and events that occurred during the first high and all of the ones to follow. This means that anytime the addict sees or hears anything or anyone that reminds him of that place, he will want to use again. These triggers make him remember how good he felt while he was getting high. This is why so many addicts relapse and continue to go back to using over and over again. The memory of those great feelings overtakes any memory of trouble with the law, people that have been hurt, or bills that need to be paid.

Neurochemistry has discovered these things and continues to look for new ways to treat the addict’s brain chemistry and also the way that they form memories and their responses to them. Their brain chemicals must be raised and maintained at normal levels as much as possible. Then when they do feel good form regular experiences, they will want to repeat those healthy things instead of using. If you have any problems with addiction and want to get to a good drug rehab program in Ontario. Contact us today.

^{Source: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/addiction/berman/neuro/dopamine.html}