Abstract
This article discusses how the brain functions in regards to addiction. But something happens after repeated exposure to drugs of abuse--whether heroin or cocaine, whiskey or speed. Neurobiologists have long known that the euphoria induced by drugs of abuse arises because all these chemicals ultimately boost the activity of the brain's reward system: a complex circuit of nerve cells, or neurons, that evolved to make us feel flush after eating or sex--things we need to do to survive and pass along our genes. Repeated exposure to these drugs induces long-lasting adaptations in the brain's chemistry and architecture, altering how individual neurons in the brain's reward pathways process information and interact with one another. Drugs of abuse hit various targets in the brain, but all directly or indirectly enhance the amount of dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens, thereby promoting addiction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
