The Expanse of Addiction in Modern Society

Why is addiction such a common phenomenon nowadays? This question is rooted in the complex interplay of human psychology, societal pressures, and physiological responses to stress and pain. While I have never experimented with illegal substances, my personal experiences as a long-term user of legal drugs, including smoking for 30 years and drinking vast quantities of tea and alcohol, offer valuable insights into the nature of addiction.

Basic Human Instinct: Seeking Pleasure

In most cases, the answer is straightforward: It feels good. This initial experience becomes the foundation for continued use. However, the exact reasons vary. For some, the continuous use stems from the feeling of “I can't stop” or “it hurts to stop”. Paragling and rugby playing offer similar risks but remain popular because they provide a form of adrenaline rush that people seek. These risky activities demonstrate that people are willing to engage in risky behavior for the pursuit of pleasure, reinforcing the notion that addiction is a common phenomenon driven by the brain's reward system.

Escaping Reality Through Drugs

One of the primary reasons people turn to drugs is to escape from a painful reality or to numb the pain of their lives. People adopt various coping mechanisms to deal with stress and emotional pain, such as eating, gambling, drinking, and using drugs. Despite knowing the consequences of addiction, individuals often underestimate their vulnerability. For some, drug use becomes a form of self-medication, an attempt to address underlying issues like psychological stress and anxiety.

The Role of Modern Life and Stress

The modern lifestyle, with its high levels of stress and pressure, exacerbates these issues. The brain's right hemisphere, often associated with negative emotions and anxiety, becomes overactive, prompting individuals to seek relief through substances. Recent advancements in neuroscience suggest that the right brain's overactivity can trigger addiction. In historical contexts, even cavemen might have had addictive behaviors, such as OCD-like symptoms, which contributed to stress and anxiety in their environments.

Chemical Dependence and the Brain's Reward System

Regular drug or alcohol use can trigger a chemical response in the brain, leading to a state of dependency. The brain's reward system releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Over time, the brain comes to rely on these substances, making it difficult to stop using them without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The simple logic of everyday life often becomes irrelevant in the face of such dependency, especially when the individual is physically dependent on a substance like heroin.

Treating the Root Cause of Addiction

To address addiction, it is crucial to tackle the underlying issues, particularly related to anxiety and stress. Modern therapies and interventions aim to engage the left hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with logical and positive thought processes. By fostering an environment that minimizes anxiety and promotes rational decision-making, addiction can be managed and, in some cases, overcome. EGMi (a hypothetical model) proposes maximizing the use of the left brain, reducing anxiety, and thus eliminating the urge to use substances as a means of self-medication.

In summary, addiction is a multifaceted issue influenced by both personal and societal factors. While the initial experience of pleasure is often the trigger, the real challenge lies in addressing the underlying mental and emotional issues that drive continued use. By understanding the root causes and taking proactive steps to manage stress and anxiety, individuals can reduce the prevalence of addiction in modern society.