Studies indicate that even the most casual of drug users consume substances because, quite simply, they make them feel good. Throughout history, human beings have been driven by our desire to feel good, quickly. It is one of the main reasons that pleasure can be such a powerful motivator for human beings today. Substances are quite effective in getting straight to the brain’s pleasure (or reward) system and stimulating it to a point of ecstasy and bliss. If humans did not have such a powerful reliance on our reward systems, drugs and other substances would not be nearly as attractive, and the widely known adverse effects of their consumption would no doubt further discourage anyone who still wanted to try them. However, this simply is not the case, and as long as we rely on such a system, drugs will always be a temptation for many. When substances are consumed, they enter the bloodstream and go almost immediately to the brain. Once the brain absorbs the substance, the reward system is stimulated, and the body is rewarded with the “high” that users crave. Once it happens more than once or twice, the brain begins to associate the consumption of the drug or substance with pleasure. At some point during regular consumption, the normal rate or amount of consumption begins to lose its potency, and the brain craves more and more of the same substance to achieve that same euphoric feeling. In essence, substances rewire your brain into believing that the good feelings they produce are natural and normal, and that the high amount of dopamine that is produced from their consumption is nothing to worry about, and should be welcomed. While you as the user are “feeling good,” however, the substance is wreaking havoc on your body. Different substances have different ways of getting to your brain’s reward system. Heroin, for instance, binds to the brain’s opioid receptors and releases an overload of dopamine that is much, much stronger than anything found naturally. After the euphoria from the dopamine wears off (which is usually in a matter of minutes), the drug produces chemicals that induce drowsiness and sluggishness. This is a feeling that also stimulates the user, and makes them feel warm and safe. Drugs like heroin and other prescription opioids are known as “analgesics,” and fundamentally change the way a user feels pain. Somewhat ironically, the reason that these types of drugs feel so good is also the reason why they are so dangerous for the user.
If the phrase “too good to be true” ever held merit, it was in describing the deceptive pleasure of substances. Addiction isn’t fun. Addiction will kill you. Get help from Oceanfront Recovery today. Call us at (877)279-1777!
