An international research team recently confirmed that the human need for stimulation and dopamine’s action upon the brain are connected. The study, which will soon appear in the leading scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed an explanation as to why people who constantly crave stimulation are in danger of addictive behavior such as drug abuse and gambling.
Though psychologists have known for years that ‘the urge to actively seek out new experiences’ is a personality trait, this is the first time scientists have been able to prove how this urge relates to hormonal activities in the brain. The study found that the hunger for stimulation is greater on average among people who possess more of the gratification hormone, dopamine, in the brain. (MedicalNewsToday.com) Dopamine, which is a key neurotransmitter in the reward pathway of the brain, plays an important role in our ability to handle stress, be motivated, and create an overall sense of well-being. The use of drugs or alcohol raises the level of dopamine, resulting in an artificial “feel-good” sensation. Chronic use of drugs or alcohol over-stimulates the receptors until they are damaged, unable to support themselves with their own chemicals, and the number of neurotransmitters is reduced. As a result, an individual will experience depression, anxiety, inability to handle stress, withdrawal symptoms, intense cravings, and deeper addiction.
The research team used PET scans and mapped the areas of the brain where dopamine was active among healthy individuals. Through measuring the levels of dopamine, the study found that individuals who had the strongest urge to seek out new and thrilling experiences had both more dopamine in the brain and more areas in the brain where dopamine was active. It’s understood that “if we make good decisions, our dopamine goes up. It tells our brain, you know, good call, that was the right move, you know, do that again next time, and it literally changes the anatomy of the brain. It strengthens certain connections. It decreases others.” (www.mcclatchydc.com) It becomes an issue in the fact that behavior that shouldn’t be repeated also releases dopamine. The study’s findings could prove to be valuable in possible strategies for substance abuse prevention.
