Neurochemistry of Drug Addiction
Something happens after a person has been abusing drugs for a while. If he or she continues to push the boundaries of drug abuse, voluntary drug use transforms into a drug addiction. Researchers have been studying how the process works with the chemicals in the nervous system.
Drug Addiction and Body Chemistry
Physical Sensations of Drugs Connected to Neurotransmitters
People take drugs for many reasons, and one of them is for the physical sensations. Methamphetamine creates an intense high on marijuana makes a person feel mellow and carefree. These physical sensations are caused by the way to drug interacts with chemicals that carry messages within the nervous system. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.
Each type of neurotransmitter has its own type of receptor on the nerve endings. Drugs and alcohol interfere sometimes completely replace normal neurotransmitter functioning when a person develops an addiction. After extended use, the neurotransmitters lose their ability to function as they should. That’s when an addict reports needing the drug just to “feel normal”. This replacement also explains how a drug addict has such uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. When the drugs are gone, the neurotransmitters do a poor job stepping back into their role.
Voluntary Drug Use Turns To Compulsion
A recent study has examined how neurotransmitters are involved when voluntary drug use becomes an addiction. The study revealed that the neurotransmitter dopamine has a large role in this transition. At some point, voluntary choice turns into compulsive behavior.
When push comes to shove, a person abusing drugs or alcohol can usually make some lifestyle changes and stop using drugs with minor difficulty. The compulsion that comes with addiction makes it so difficult to voluntarily give up the drug. The compulsion continues to pull the addict into the cycle of drug seeking and drug use.
This type of research could prove to be useful if it can help prevent drug abusers from becoming drug addicts. Understanding the chemistry of drug addiction could really impact the way we treat addiction in the future. Drug rehab centers and drug treatment programs are always looking to current research for new insight on treating addiction.
Drug Rehab Makes Sobriety A Reality
Once a person crosses the line over to drug addiction, it becomes a much more complicated matter. The chemistry of addiction can make sobriety an uphill battle. If you or loved one are facing the reality of the drug addiction, don’t do it alone. Contact your local drug and alcohol rehab center today.
Tags: drug treatment, drug-rehab, Neurochemistry of Drug Addiction
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