Pamphlet- physiology doc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pamphlet- physiology doc - Essay Example h as cocaine or heroin, measurable changes in brain chemistry and physiology perpetuate the cycle of addiction.† 1 Addictive behavior may be the result of genetic factors even through there may be no contact between the generations through which it is perpetuated. â€Å"Genetic susceptibility to addiction is the result of the interaction of many genes.† 2 Again environmental factors like level of income, education, family status, crime record etc are also relevant factors in the matter. But the significant point that emerges from the research studies is that brain physiology can significantly be altered due to ingestion of drugs. Drug addiction interferes with the natural cycle and brain circuits and ‘neural functions in such a way as to render brain circuits mediating various behavioural effects of these drugs more or less, responsive to those effects.† 3 Serotonin and norepinephrine are considered to be drugs which elevate moods and alters the brain pattern to produce pleasurable sensations. Serotonin is considered to be major mood enhancer and is one of the main constituent in addictive drug groups. The effects of drugs are particularly marked in adolescent years. It is during these teenage years that the frontal cortex of the brain develops during this time, â€Å"a neural network that malfunctions as a consequence of chronic drug-taking, including the prefrontal cortex,† 4 which develops reasoning powers, mental personality development and confidence. The usage of mood enhancing drugs interferes with the natural development of the brain and the prolonged use could cause maldevelopment and stunted growth of this significant part of the brain. Drug addiction could be termed as a â€Å"chronically relapsing disorder† in which the drug addict has an uncontrollable frenzy to consume drugs. 5 It has been found that addict ion interferes with the addicts mental and physical health, impairs his judgment and decision making abilities and could be major cause for