The Complex Brain- addiction

We all know that our brain is a very complex organ. It controls our emotions, breathing, movements, and even speech among other things.Its hard to imgaine that just one organ can have so much control on our everyday activities (most of which we don't really even think about!). Out of all of brain's function, the one that seemed most fascinating to me is how it can control our behavior and emotions. A lot of it is chemical did you know that!? For example, we have an area in our brain called the Nucleus Accumbens ( located in the frontal lobe) which produces "pleasure."

Here is a picture of its exact location:

Nucleus Accubmens indirectly increase the release dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Dopamine.....? Hmm, im sure you are wondering where you have heard that before? Dopamine is associated with sexual excitement, gambling, and even when playing video games. Its that rush of sudden pleasure, that just keeps you wanting more and more. Some people thrive on it so much that it becomes addictive. Is addiction a good a thing? What exactly causes addiction? The video below explains it more in detail and talks about how the neurotransmitter serotonin also plays a huge role. (Very interesting video BTW)

Although addiction is usually not a good thing, it is interesting to know how addiction comes to play. Just like the video says, we are all different with different genes and different personalities. Some may be more susceptible to addiction than others. No matter what though, remember its all chemical! Dopamine plays a HUGE role. If you have a sensitivity to dopamine and have a low levels of serotonin in your body system than you have a higher chance to become addictive later on in future.

How can you control this?

My advice? If you are going to take something like alcohol, then do so in an adequate proportion. And if its bad for you, then just don't take it. Becoming addicted to ANYTHING eventually leads to something bad. So take care of yourself! both mentally and physically. 

Ofcourse, there are always other factors that you can't control like genetics. Those who have a close family member who suffer from some kind of addiction usually increases your chance of being addicted to something as well. Since your chances increase, you should be extra cautious. If you find yourself being tempted, go seek some kind of help. I wonder how far do the affects of genetics go? if you didnt live in a household where you saw addiction constantly, are you still prone to it?