Dopamine: If It Feels Good, Do It Again

Dopamine (DA) is an important brain neurotransmitter; and especially significant in the process of addiction. Dopamine has been implicated in its involvement in motor functioning, cognitive functioning, as well as pleasure and reward systems. Its role in the reward system is integral and ultimately defines addiction. It does this in that much of the physical adaptations and psychosocial aspects are derived from the alteration in dopamine levels and their effect on dopaminergic neurons.

Substances associated with the disease of addiction often do so based on their effects on the dopaminergic system. Some chemicals act as dopamine agonists whereby they themselves act and bind as dopamine would in the body. Others are known for their ability to block the reuptake of dopamine and therefore produce higher concentrations than natural. Certain chemicals can also effect dopamine production and/or release that naturally occur within our systems. Regardless of the mechanism in which these chemicals use, the end result is a higher amount of activation on the dopaminergic neurons.

Because dopamine plays an integral part in the brain's reward system chemicals that have these effects can become highly addictive and produce other effects associated with increased dopamine levels such as hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. While many individuals have their particular "drug of choice", any addictive substance will have similar effects on the dopamine reward pathway. This being the case, wouldn't any mood altering drug have negative effects on individuals who have struggled with addiction?

The bottom line is the reward to the body; this being the release of dopamine and the desire to recreate this effect. The body basically says, "hey let's take note of this action because I like it"; and so chemicals that act as or influence the release or reuptake of dopamine or actions that cause dopamine release can become addictive. Actions can become impulsive and create the desire to repeat; this can be part of a process that becomes addictive, hence the name process addictions that applies to things like gambling, sex, shopping, and eating among others.

The power of dopamine is one that can be readily seen within our society and others. Sex and alcohol are plastered across our media and human pastime, just below the surface, is no more than a desire for this influential neurotransmitter. Chemicals are often underestimated. An altered form of cholesterol can cause woman to grow facial hair and men to double their strength in short periods of times, yet people often think little into the outcome that could result from consumption of alcohol and drugs. Oh, the power of dopamine.

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