The choice to engage an addiction is a decision that is centered in the executive portion of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex. Once we indulge, the experience delivers a powerful stimulus to the nucleus accumbens, a cluster of nerve cells below the cerebral cortex, which releases a flood of dopamine. The neurotransmitter dopamine is a chemical that underlies motivation. The high level of stimulation encourages repetition. Addiction can be understood as the hijacking of the brain by the addictive experience.
Repeated use of the behavior changes the wiring of the brain. The overactivity of the nucleus accumbens progressively weakens its connectivity to the prefrontal cortex, resulting in impaired judgment, decision-making, and impulse control.
The circuitry of the brain is rewired by the flow of dopamine and its repeated stimulus. The addict pursues his behavior despite negative consequences, which is the hallmark of addiction.
The Bible confirms, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13).
The antidote to this process is to not let it get started in the first place.
Recovery Step: One thing trumps the addictive process. It’s called discipline. Have the discipline to stay off the crazy train. Don’t start down the path of addiction. If you are already on that path, look for the next exit ramp.
