Neurobiology of Addiction
From the article , How the Monkey Got on Your Back , drugs have an effect on the brain. Once the drugs enter the body systems through injections, sniffing, or swallowing, their effects are first felt in the brain. The drug addiction creates more craving and dependency, which is associated with the brain functioning. The neurotransmitters in the brain are affected by drug use, which interrupts the communication within the neurons. Thus, the brain is unable to ensure the proper functioning of the body.
Evolutionary History of Cravings
The history of craving can be traced back to the Stone Age. Even among the animals, craving for drugs has been found among monkeys in the Caribbean, which took fermented sugarcane. The discovery of ceramic bowls and tubes estimated to be more than two thousand years ago shows that man started to ingest drugs several centuries back. The craving has been attributed to the rewards of using a particular product. Using the drug, for instance, might make some people relax or become more active.
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How the Article relates to my Life
The article, How the Monkey got on Your Back, addresses the real issues that the society grapples with. I have witnessed people struggle with issues of alcohol and drug addiction. A majority of them also suffer from the drug dependency. I consider the article to be very useful in the sense that it addresses the relevant issues I observe in the society. The information on the history and neurobiology of addiction is vital in understanding the cause and effect of drug addiction. While I do not have craving problems, I still consider the information from the article to be indispensable. I think the article will enhance my critical thinking and evaluation of issues relating to drug addiction.
