How Addiction Changes the Brain

How can addiction be defined? NIDA, which is the National Institute of Drug Abuse has defined addiction as a ‘chronic relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences’. A chronic disease is one that is long lasting and can’t be cured, but it can be managed with treatment. Read More…

Drug Addiction and the Dopamine System

Drug Addiction and the Dopamine System

  The brain plays a large role in addiction, largely focused on the dopamine system. Addictive drugs overstimulate the reward center of the brain which produces dopamine, creating a desire to keep using drugs or alcohol. Learn more about dopamine and the brain’s role in addiction.   Neurons Neurons communicate with one another through the Read More…