How We Become Addicted To Drugs?

Taking drugs on the odd occasion is one thing - but having an outright addiction to drugs is certainly another. Many people are unable to tell how it actually it that they become addicted to drugs - because it seemingly happens without their knowledge. However, there are specific scientific mechanisms which can cause drug addictions, and in this article, we will take a look at what these are.

We should begin by saying that everyone has the potential to become a drug addict. Because of the way that drug addiction works in the brain, there is every chance that someone who dabbles in drug taking could become addicted very quickly.

However, the chances of a drug addiction being caused from a sporadic and momentary drug high are slim. Let's take a look at some more facts.

The Brains Role in Drug Addiction

All addictions, whether it is to drugs, alcohol, or sex, are caused by a response in the brain. More often than not, the pleasurable feelings that are associated and result from the "high" of taking drugs are caused by chemical levels in the brain.

These chemicals include the following:

• Serotonin
• Adrenaline
• Nor epinephrine

These are the three main chemicals, which when released in bulk under some conditions (such as when taking drugs), cause the "high" that is so well touted.

After regular episodes where these chemicals are mass produced and allowed to circulate through the system, the body starts to depend on the pleasurable feelings. That is - the brain becomes accustomed to the regular feelings of pleasure, and demands more.

The "demands" of the brain often come in the form of an overwhelming feeling to experience the "high" again, and therefore, the individual affected is the victim of their own bodily functions.

Different Responses In Different People

Why is it that some people can do drugs whenever they want, and never get addicted - whilst someone else can do them once, and get immediately hooked? The answer seems to be in the complex workings of brain chemistry.

Until we have more facts and research on this topic, it is difficult to give a conclusive answer as to exactly what the reasons for the above phenomena are. However, one thing is for sure. Taking drugs, no matter how often, is a major risk factor for a drug addiction.