Initially beginning as a choice or urge to pursue in the substance, then turns into a craving; Furthermore, making the person’s body completely unable to function without it. “The frontal cortex [is the location where the drugs] alter judgement, and impulse control.” (ASAM,2011) As a result, the human body begins to not be able to function without the substance. The chemicals from the drugs disrupt the bodies metabolic process; In other words, becoming a lifeline for the addict to be able to function conventionally both mentally, physically, and emotionally. Pleasure from drugs come from the “[substance abuse targeting] the brains reward system by flooding it with dopamine” (NIDA,2017). Dopamine is the hormone/neurotransmitter within the body that fuels a person and their addiction; in conclusion compelling the brain to coerce the person to believe that the substance will make them feel evermore euphoric with each use. The first use of a drug has been the “ultimate high” for many current and previous drug users, regardless of the substance. Since science understands the cravings that drugs initiate within the human body, scientists can adequately medicate and counsel in hopes to conquer the disease stricken …show more content…
I conducted research on my personal Facebook of subject, and their opinions; arguably if addiction is a disease or a choice. One subject argued “no one chooses to be an addict… [you cannot control] what the body [demands to function normally]” (Parsons,2017). This person being a former addict, understands the necessity of the substance to just get through everyday life endeavors. Each addict is different. Each substance is different. The repercussions of withdrawals come with devilish symptoms; therefore, making the person rely on the substance. If a person has Type 2 diabetes and becomes insulin dependent due to their lifestyle choices of overeating and not eating healthy; is that considered a disease because it all began with a choice? Unfortunately, many believe that addiction does not fall under the same “It’s a psychological effect… a person creates a mentality [which persuades their inner self that they] need the drug [to obtain the feeling of exuberance]” (Parsons, 2017). Like diabetes, addiction takes a prodigious toll on not only the physical body, but mentality as well. The research conducted ranged in ages from forty plus, to under seventeen. The participants had family member who were addicts, witnessed addiction, as well as were addicts themselves. Each person had strong beliefs on if addiction was a