Neuroadaptation

Neuroadaptation, as explained by Dr. Anna Lembke, is a key process that occurs in the brain during the development of addiction. When substances like drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain, they tilt the brain's balance towards pleasure. In response, the brain adapts by reducing its dopamine receptors and dopamine production, not just to normal levels but below the baseline, to counteract this surge of pleasure. This adapted state results in feelings of pain and discomfort when the substance is not present, which Dr. Lembke poetically describes as the activity of "neuroadaptation gremlins" on the pain side of the balance. These gremlins overcompensate by remaining on the balance even after homeostasis is achieved, pushing it towards pain, which leads to the hangover effects or the intense desire to engage further with the addictive substance 1.