👉 Addiction biology is rooted in the brain's reward system, which is primarily governed by dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). When an individual engages in pleasurable activities or consumes substances of abuse, these neurons release dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria and reinforcing the behavior. Over time, repeated exposure to addictive substances or behaviors leads to neuroadaptations, such as downregulation of dopamine receptors and altered neural circuits, which reduce the brain's natural ability to experience pleasure from normal activities. This results in tolerance, where more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is absent, driving compulsive use despite negative consequences. These biological changes underscore the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and behavior in addiction.
