| When scientists began to study drug addiction in the | | | | The main difference is that with drug use, an |
| 1930s, they were already operating under many | | | | overproduction of dopamine occurs. The good |
| misconceptions and misunderstandings. For one thing, | | | | feelings are enhanced to a higher degree than normal; |
| at that time, drug addiction was considered a | | | | however, when the drug wears off, the "letdown" is |
| weakness in a person's moral character rather than | | | | also more intense. It is this circumstance that can |
| the health problem that it actually is. | | | | lead to drug addiction, as the person seeks to |
| However, while it is true that most people make a | | | | recapture the "high" initially felt. This in turn may lead |
| voluntary choice to drink for the first time, or | | | | to higher and higher amounts of the drug being used. |
| experiment with drugs, the fact remains that | | | | Understanding how the brain reacts when drugs are |
| addiction does physically alter the brain, changing both | | | | taken helps us to formulate a holistic drug |
| the structure of the various parts of the brain and | | | | rehabilitation program that will provide the most |
| how they function. And, it is these alterations that | | | | success. An ideal program includes replacing vitamins |
| can cause addiction. | | | | and nutrients that have been lost or depleted due to |
| One way in which drugs alter the brain's structure | | | | drug abuse. |
| and function is by releasing higher levels of dopamine | | | | In some instances, however, the changes effected |
| than normal. Dopamine is a natural neurotransmitter | | | | by drug abuse and addiction are long lasting. They |
| released by the brain at certain times. This chemical | | | | may remain even after a person has stopped taking |
| provides the brain with a sense of reward or | | | | drugs. This is why people, even those who are or |
| pleasure, which in turn leads it to repeat the behavior | | | | have been in a drug rehab program, sometimes |
| in an effort to continue receiving that feeling. | | | | relapse, and begin taking drugs again. |