Drug Addiction In Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde

Drug Addiction in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Drug addiction is a disease in which the brain believes it is in need of a substance when it actually may be harmful. This disease is chronic so even if one is able to quit, they may relapse and take the drug again. When drugs are taken for the first time it creates a release of dopa-mine or other pleasure creating chemicals. These chemicals are released due to the direct effect on the nerve cells, these nerve cells transmit information directly to the brain. By doing so the brain searches for more of the substance in order to create the same effect. The brain is taught to take the drug in order to create the feeling of pleasure. While at the beginning stages, a substance may not be very harmful, long term problems may arise. This information directly relates to substance abuse in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In the novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Dr. Jekyll is addicted to the potion. The potion releases chemicals and changes Jekyll allowing him to feel good, The more he takes the potion the harder it is to stop. After a while Jekyll not only needs the potion to get a good feeling, but needs it to feel like a normal person. His brain has been taught that it is good to take the potion because it makes him feel better. At certain points in the novel, Jekyll quits but finds himself becoming Hyde after a while, this shows us that the potion has chronic effects to the brain."My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring. I was conscious even when I took the draught, of a move unbridled, a more furious propensity to ill." (Stevenson 121). This shows how Jekyll had a relapse because he was unable to resist the urges any longer. Dr. Jekyll has a classic case of addiction, he is unable to stop because his brain is made to believe he needs the potion, the effect of drugs can cause one to feel unable to resist as in Jekyll’s case, it is much easier to never