Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by 2626robert
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive behavior around a substance or activity despite negative consequences. It often involves a cycle of craving, engaging in the behavior, and experiencing short-term relief, followed by guilt, shame, or other negative outcomes. This cycle can become so ingrained that it disrupts a person’s personal, social, and professional life, making it challenging to control or stop the behavior.
Biologically, addiction alters brain function, particularly affecting areas related to pleasure, motivation, and memory. Substances like drugs and alcohol, or behaviors like gambling and gaming, stimulate dopamine release in the brain, creating a sense of reward and reinforcing the activity. Over time, this process can diminish the brain’s natural reward systems, making it difficult to experience pleasure from everyday activities and leading to a need for the substance or behavior to feel “normal.”
Addiction is treatable through a combination of therapy, medication, and support systems. Treatments aim to help people build coping strategies, restore mental health, and reconnect with family and community.
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