The chemical components of drugs cause addiction by their effects on the nervous system. In general, these produce a sensation of pleasure to which the body habituates and becomes addicted, needing to repeat the experience regularly.
We speak of addiction when the subject reaches a state of total dependence on the substances consumed. His body and mind have become accustomed to these and he claims them violently.
Although some experts distinguish between those that cause physical addiction and those that generate psychosocial dependence, others disagree and put them on the same level.
Causes of addiction
The main reason why drugs have an addictive effect is because the chemical elements that compose them manage to release substances that stimulate the brain's pleasure center.
In this way, they interfere with the messages emitted by neurotransmitters (present in the nervous system) and end up in the brain.
This effect means that, while the first uses of a drug are voluntary, after a certain moment the brain changes turn them into an addiction.
Soft and hard drugs
Although there are differences of opinion among experts, a division has traditionally been established between so-called soft drugs, such as hashish or marijuana; and the hard ones, like cocaine or heroin.
The former are supposed to generate a mental addiction, also called psychosocial. It is claimed that they have fewer physical effects and are easier to give up.
The harsh ones, however, are capable of hooking the addict both mentally and physically, transforming their behavior and deteriorating their health more quickly.
There are other groups of experts that consider this division erroneous and without scientific criteria. For them, all drugs should be considered equally dangerous and addictive.
Types of addictive components
Narcotics
The case of narcotics is quite curious. They are a type of drug widely used as medicine, since it is capable of relieving pain or helping to sleep.
However, they are highly addictive and it is estimated that, for example, in the United States they are the cause of the largest number of addictions. In addition, they require increasing doses to achieve the same effects.
Chemically they are derived from opium and, apart from the effects already mentioned, they produce alterations in mood and behavior. They work by modifying the central nervous system, like an analgesic.
Stimulants
As is easy to suppose, this type of product stimulates all brain activity.
They produce an increase in dopamine, which causes a great feeling of euphoria among users. On the other hand, they produce a decrease in fatigue and the feeling of sleep.
Dopamine exerts its effect on the body's nerve terminals, producing that momentary feeling of well-being and happiness.
Within this class of drugs is cocaine, certain hallucinogens and amphetamines, among others.
References
- Pineda-Ortiz, J., Torrecilla-Sesma, M. Neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction. Recovered from elsevier.es
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Retrieved from drugabuse.gov
- Wellcome Collection. Drugs and the brain: A quick guide to brain chemistry. Retrieved from wellcomecollection.org
- Withdrawal. (May 20, 2016). Obtained from addictions and recovery.
- Infosalus. How do drugs affect our body? Recovered from infosalus.com