Chemical Addiction
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Chemical addiction involves both the biological impact of substances on the brain and the psychological components linked to their usage.
Biological Aspect
Chemical addiction revolves around neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are crucial in the brain's reward and motivation systems. Addictive substances significantly increase dopamine levels, more than natural rewards like food or sex. For instance, chocolate can elevate dopamine by about 50% above baseline, nicotine by 150%, and methamphetamines by 1000% 1. This drastic increase sets off a cycle where the brain compensates by decreasing its natural dopamine production, leading to dependency and cravings.
Psychological Aspect
The psychological aspect involves using substances to escape from emotional pain or stress. This combination of potent chemicals and their use as a coping mechanism can lead to addiction. For example, many individuals who are given potent opioids (medical heroin) for pain management rarely develop addiction unless they begin using these drugs to manage emotional or psychological pain 2 3.
Habitual Patterns
Addictions are also linked to behaviors and habits that have strong neural pathways. Even after the physical dependency wanes, habitual cues can still trigger cravings. This is evident in scenarios where smokers might crave cigarettes long after quitting due to established behavior patterns 4.
In essence, addiction extends beyond mere chemical hooks to include significant socio-psychological elements that need addressing for effective treatment 5 6.
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