Mindfulness-Based Interventions: in Addiction Treatment

Understanding the addiction process is not possible without a deep understanding of brain function and the neurobiological changes that result from it. The human brain, as the most complex biological structure known, exhibits complex reactions when faced with pleasurable, painful, repetitive, or threatening experiences that can strengthen specific neural pathways in the long term and lead to the formation of addictive patterns. When a person is exposed to an addictive substance or behavior, specific neural networks are activated in the brain that help to enhance the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. These networks, which are mainly associated with the reward system, become established patterns when repeated, making it difficult to voluntarily control behavior. The brain's reward system, which consists of structures such as the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hypothalamus, and especially the ventral tegmental area (VTA), releases certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine in response to pleasurable stimuli such as drugs, alcohol, fatty or sweet foods, or even risky sexual and gambling behaviors.

Pages: 116, Paperback, Scholars' Press