The Brain and Addictive Behavoir

Running head : THE BRAIN AND ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR

The Brain and Addictive Behavior

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The Brain and Addictive Behavior

In recent researches , investigation has been geared towards understanding the neurological mechanisms that underlie the processes of addiction , especially alcoholism . New discoveries and advances in research help people today in further understanding the mechanisms involved in the development of addictive behavior from an organic point of view . This provides a stronger basis in the medical treatment of addictive behavior

The core of addictive behavior starts with

reinforcement . When alcoholic substances enter our body , the brain senses gratification through alcohol-induced euphoria . Because the situation is rewarding the brain signals the body to seek alcohol to experience again the feeling of euphoria . This part of the brain is the dopamine or reward pathway in which alcohol is seen as an incentive to the body that leads to alcohol-seeking behavior . In the early stages of alcoholic behavior the positive reinforcement and motivating factors to continue alcohol drinking become very crucial in the formation of alcohol addiction later on (Gilpin Koob , 2008

In line with this , alcohol drinking is also precipitated by negative reinforcement in such a way that negative emotions , such as anxiety and depression , are reduced with the experience of alcohol drinking . This process is closely related to the positive reinforcement model Furthermore , alcohol drinking also triggers or sensitizes neural pathways in our brain to the effects of alcohol that our brain 'likes In turn , these likeable alcohol effects are transformed...