How most addictions are the same and how to break them.
It Doesn’t Matter What Your Addiction is. Most Addictions Are The Same.
-By A. Scott Roberts
Scientists call addictions a “common neural currency” because of the involvement of the primary neurotransmitter, dopamine and how addictions stimulate the limbic system of the brain – regardless of your drug of choice. Drugs that are taken into the body such as alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin or cocaine over-stimulate dopamine in the limbic reward center in the brain.1
For some, this may seem counter-intuitive because some drugs such as opium and alcohol are classified as depressants while others are stimulants. Some give us energy while some make us sleepy.
The reason for these different “feelings” is the way the particular addictive behavior affects non-dopamine neural networks.2 This explains why particular drugs are more appealing to some than to others.
“But what about other addictions such as pornography, overeating, internet, tanning or sex?”
One study concludes that nearly one in eight individuals engage in internet addiction in which addicts are compulsive about checking email, web pages or chat rooms and are excessively using a computer for nonessential purposes.3
There is evidence that tanning can become addictive. One study found that the exposure to the ultra-violet rays in a tanning bed releases endorphins (natural pain killer compounds) in the brain. Alcohol, heroin and codeine increase endorphins as well.4
Addictions can range from pornography, masturbation, gambling, sex, food, tanning, social networking, video games and internet use, resulting in an over-stimulation of the reward center which disrupts the brain’s normal activity.5
Scientists conclude that addictions have more in common than how they differ.6 Addictive substances are often referred to as the “common neural currency.” An addict feels euphoria because neurons in the limbic system are stimulated with chemicals. Some molecular structures of drugs are similar to natural neurotransmitters, while others use different mechanisms that increase the output of neurotransmitters. The result is the same: a chemical addiction.
Some addictions come in from the eyes, such as pornography, while some are ingested, snorted or smoked. In the end, these things which were once thought of as being vastly different from each other, are actually quite similar.
This can help explain why most all drugs are real “gateway” drugs.
“If the addict doesn’t have his or her choice of drug available, he or she will likely seek a substitute.
This is commonly referred as cross-addiction.”
If you haven’t watched this part of the (video yet where I describe that addictions are part of a survival process) – then you’ll want to check that out. This describes why addictions simply cannot be wished or willed away and you’ll soon realize that the secret to eliminating addiction is to understand the lesser-known techniques that have been shown to restore and rewire the brain that can lead to a chemical change.
Your Friend and Supporter,
-A. Scott Roberts
M.S. studies in Rehabilitation Counseling, B.S. Psychology, A. S. Business
Addiction Specialist
References:
1. Neese R.and Berridge. K. (1997) Psychoactive Drug Use in Evolutionary Perspective. October. Vol. 278 no. 5335 pp. 63-66
2. Neese R.and Berridge. K. (1997) Psychoactive Drug Use in Evolutionary Perspective. October. Vol. 278 no. 5335 pp. 63-66
3. Internet Addiction May Affect One In Eight In USA. medicalnewstoday.com, 18 Oct 2006
4. Frequent Tanners Can Quit Anytime, Or Can They, New York Times, April 11, 2006.
5. Studies Shed Light On Parkinson’s Drugs and Gambling, Las Vegas Press, April 3, 2006.
6. Alcohol Abuse Is Hereditary, medicalnewstoday.com, July 5, 2007.
Holistic Health Warrior
More Thoughts from Mellisa
Question: What are you without an immune system?
Answer: You are dead.
As morbid as it may sound, it’s true. When your immune system is weak you will get sick. When your immune system completely fails you will die.
If I could show you a way to boost your Natural Killer Cells by up to 437%, would you be interested in hearing more? Of course you would.
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