If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you may be baffled and confused. It is difficult to understand how someone can continue to abuse substances, despite worsening consequences, often destroying future prospects. In many cases legal and health-related problems develop. Sadly, an untimely death may be the final consequence.
How does one make sense of it all?
Research has shown that there is really something quite significant going on in the brain of those using mind-altering substances. Thanks to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, materials are available on their website to assist with understanding the science behind addiction.
Do you have an experience to add? Comments are encouraged.
More on this topic at:
National Institute on Drug Abuse
The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction
Additional resources:
The Neurobiology of Addiction – 101 (PDF)
Ann
The question I have is: is there something different going on in the brains of people who become addicted, and those who just use but don’t become addicted?
Kelly
Studies have found similar brain abnormalities in people who have become addicted, and their siblings without a history of chronic drug use..
Additional resources:
Your brain may be wired for addiction but you don’t have to surrender
The addicted brain
How addiction hijacks the brain
Addiction now defined as brain disorder, not behavior problem