Addiction is a complex disease impacting the function of the brain. The part of the brain that causes addiction is called the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. It is sometimes called the reward circuit of the brain. Let’s take a deeper look into the causes of addiction and how this area of the brain is impacted.
Addiction can have a devastating effect on the brain. Not only can it change the way the brain functions, but it can also damage the cells. Over time, this can lead to problems with memory, decision making, and emotional control. It can also increase your risk for other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it's important to get help. There are many treatment options available, and with the right support, you can overcome addiction and reclaim your life.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we focus on more than just treating the symptoms you have. Addiction therapy services dive deep to ensure what’s causing your addiction is treated properly. If you need to know more about a drug and alcohol rehab program, call us today at 866.957.7885.
As the most complex organ in the body, the brain can be hard to understand, especially from a viewpoint of addiction. It works much like an intricate computer. The brain is made up of cells called neurons that are organized into circuits and networks. The neurons act as a type of switch that helps with the flow of information. When neurons receive signals from other neurons, it fires, and that sends out a new signal. Each of these circuits works together to achieve goals. Every function you complete requires these networks of neurons to work properly.
In order to send a message, the neurons release a neurotransmitter into the gap between the neuron spaces. This neurotransmitter attaches to receptors on the other neurons. When that happens, the receiving cell changes.
When it comes to addiction, the circuits involved are primarily the reward system and the stress system. The reward system is responsible for providing pleasurable feelings in response to things that are good for you, like eating or engaging in sexual relations. The stress system is responsible for helping you deal with threats and dangers. When these two systems are activated at the same time, it can create an addictive cycle. The reward system will release dopamine, which is a chemical that makes you feel good. The stress system will release cortisol, which is a hormone that makes you feel bad. This combination creates a powerful urge to keep using the substance or behavior.
What Part of The Brain Causes Addiction?
When these complex systems are interfered with, changes happen in several areas of the brain:
Basal ganglia –In this area of the brain, which is essential for positive motivation, the drugs trigger the reward circuit. This area of the brain affects healthy activities and those that create pleasure. When drugs overact this area, they create a sense of high. When this happens numerous times, the reward circuit adapts to the drug. That means it’s hard to feel any pleasure without the drug.
Extended amygdala –This area of the brain processes anxiety and unease. It is typically the place where withdrawal symptoms stem when the drug high fades. With drug use, this area becomes more sensitive.
Prefrontal cortex –This area of the brain is responsible for planning, thinking, and solving problems. It is in this area of the brain that compulsive activity happens due to a reduction in impulse control.
You Can Gain Control and Improve The Function of The Brain
The brain and addiction may be complex, but there is help available. Researchers have developed a better understanding of the way the brain learns and changes. As a result, using therapy, medications, and the right supportive structure, it’s possible to get the brain back to working normally again.
This is best done in a treatment program like the one we offer at San Antonio Recovery Center. Here, you’ll work to overcome the challenges you face with withdrawal and cravings while also working to resolve the underlying cause of addiction. We do this through a number of programs, including:
Intensive outpatient program
Aftercare treatment program
90-day treatment programs
Let The Team at San Antonio Recovery Center Provide Help Today
It’s not always clear what the causes of addiction are. It may be more important to reach out for help now to get on the path to long-term recovery. That’s where we can help you. Call San Antonio Recovery Center now to learn more about the resources we offer and learn how you can access care that restores your well-being. Reach out to our affordable treatment center by calling 866.957.7885 or connect with us now online.
The part of the brain that causes addiction is called the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. It is sometimes called the reward circuit of the brain. Let's take a deeper look into the causes of addiction and how this area of the brain is impacted.
A significant part of how addiction develops is through changes in your brain chemistry. Substances and certain activities affect your brain, especially the reward center of your brain. Humans are biologically motivated to seek rewards. Often, these rewards come from healthy behaviors.
There are four levels of addiction: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. We will discuss each level in-depth and provide tips for overcoming addiction. Most people who try drugs or engage in risky behaviors don't become addicted.
Growing evidence suggests that chronic drug exposure diminishes the function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) – a component of the reward system – which is believed to cause cognitive and behavioral impairments that lead to the loss of inhibitory control over drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors.
GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA binds with GABAA and GABAB receptors to inhibit neuronal activity. Substances of abuse can downregulate or upregulate the GABA system. GABAB receptors modulate substance reward and reinforcement behaviours.
The two main causes of addiction are biology and environment. Your genes and biology might account for about half of the equation, and your surroundings and social influences might account for the rest. There are many possible sources for a person's addiction.
Many people who experience trauma do not develop an addiction, but research clearly indicates a connection between addiction and trauma. Many individuals develop not only drug and/or alcohol addiction, but also eating disorders and compulsive sexual behavior to escape the pain of trauma.
According to this model, all addictive behaviors consists of six core components: (i) salience, which refers to the addictive behavior becoming the most important activity in a person's life and may manifest as pre-occupation or craving; (ii) mood modification which refers to subjective enhancement such as getting high ...
Addiction can be either physical or behavioral, and often they go hand in hand. Though alcohol and tobacco are commonly recognized types of addiction, there are actually hundreds of types of medically and scientifically recognized addictions.
Addiction is a learned response involving several key areas of the brain and changes to the neural circuitry connecting them. Through the actions of the neurotransmitter dopamine, the brain become extremely efficient in wanting the drug effects, and eventually becomes imprisoned in the wanting.
When someone develops an addiction, the brain craves the reward of the substance. This is due to the intense stimulation of the brain's reward system. In response, many users continue use of the substance; this can lead to a host of euphoric feelings and strange behavioral traits.
Instead of a simple, pleasurable surge of dopamine, many drugs of abuse—such as opioids, cocaine, or nicotine—cause dopamine to flood the reward pathway, 10 times more than a natural reward. The brain remembers this surge and associates it with the addictive substance.
Stimulant medications are commonly used to treat ADHD, and these medications are known to increase the availability of dopamine in the brain. In animal studies, blocking dopamine transporters and receivers also helps increase the amount of available dopamine and is associated with lower hyperactivity.
GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It's thought to play a major role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with anxiety, stress and fear.
The DSM-5 specifically lists nine types of substance addictions within this category (alcohol; caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics; stimulants; and tobacco).
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