Addiction Science

Drugs are molecules that alter the way neurons transmit, receive, and process messages, causing pleasure but also obstructing regular brain communication. Different medications cause various brain reactions, and they could achieve this by imitating the brain's normal neurotransmitters. Drugs like morphine and cannabis mimic natural neurotransmitters to activate nerve cells by tricking the brain's receptors. Drugs alter or magnify the messages that are sent to the brain's central nervous system when they attach to and activate neurons. Overstimulation of the brain's "reward circuit." Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward system, is released in excess as a result of drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. Drugs strongly "reinforce the connection between the ingestion of the drug, the ensuing pleasure, and all the environmental signals associated with the event" because they cause a dopamine spike. Large dopamine surges "train" the brain to seek drugs instead of other, healthier objectives and activities. Disrupting the brain's chemical and circuitry systems that control memory, stress, behaviour, judgement, and decision-making. Even when a person is aware of the negative effects of abusing drugs or alcohol, SUD causes them to overlook these effects in their ongoing quest for drug-induced pleasure or in an effort to stave off withdrawal symptoms.