The Science Behind Addiction

What is Addiction?

ad·dic·tion; noun: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activityAddiction is a chronic brain disease that makes a person compulsively need what they are either chemically or psychologically addicted to.

Addiction and the Brain.Addictioninfluences the brain in 3 ways:1) craving for the object of addiction 2)loss of control over its use3)continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences

The Science Behind Addiction

DopamineIn a moment of pleasure, neurotransmitters release dopamine, causing a satisfying feeling. It can be released with anything pleasurable, from achieving a goal to taking drugs.

(The Chemistry Behind Addiction 1:40-4:40)

Tie In and Buy InAddiction is involved in the different ways the brain works, in which neurotransmitters play a big role in the science behind it. .Knowing this can encourage others about healthy and happy living. It is important to know more about addiction because it has the potential to ruin lives, not only the victim, but also their loved ones.

Road to RecoveryBecause addiction has so many disrupts to the aspects of an individual's life, treatment is not simple. Some people even decide to not go through it at all.But even with a lot of self determination, recovery is not easy. Months or even years of medication and therapy is mandatory to feel "normal" again. And not only that but the terrible symptoms of withdrawal is enough to drive an addict back to where he/she started.

-Alcohol -Food-Drugs -Relationships/Love-Attention/Approval -Self-Crime/Power -Job-Sports -Money -Technology -Perfection

It is okay to have dopamine in moderate amounts. However, when we receive too much dopamine, our brains get used to it, until the pleasure is considered normal. Not all addictions are caused by dopamine, but many are. Other addictions are caused by other neurotransmitters and chemicals found in the drugs. These cause both physical and mental addiction and dependence.

Austin BautistaDevika BediKatherine BreeherDakota MakulecMegan Mori

Not everyone gets addiction because different factors are involved. Some factors include genes, home enviroment, early use, and how the object is administered.