Dopamine - Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that tells us when we're feeling pleasure as a result of an enjoyable behavior or activity.
Dopamine - Dopamine is part of a reward system in the brain that encourages us to continue these pleasurable activities that help us survive.
Addiction - Dopamine itself is not addictive, but it focuses us on the experience that caused the rush of pleasure and leaves us with strong memories.
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Addiction - Most drugs target this reward system in the brain. They cause an unsustainable rush of pleasure that keeps users coming back for more.
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Low dopamine levels - Some people naturally have lower levels of dopamine. This chemical deficiency makes them more likely to develop an addiction.
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Low dopamine levels - The dopamine deficient may seek out harmful activities that release more of this chemical in order to feel good, such as drug or alcohol abuse.
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Alcohol - Research shows that some people may be more likely to develop an alcohol addiction based on the way their reward system responds when they drink.
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Alcohol - Certain individuals release an unusually large amount of dopamine when they drink alcohol compared to the average person.
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Gambling - Unlike drug and alcohol abuse, no substance is ingested. However, the brain's response to gambling is the same to that of drugs or alcohol.
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Gambling - Unfortunately, we can be addicted to more than chemicals. Gambling is one of the longest established behavioral addictions.
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Technology - This will cause an even bigger dopamine rush in the user, encouraging a dependence similar to addiction.