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Addiction And The Brain

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Addiction And The Brain
Addiction is still somewhat of an unsolved mystery and no one is exactly sure how a certain substance acts on the brain. A popular definition of addiction is progressing from liking the substance to needing the substance and constantly seeking it out despite any negative consequences the user may experience. There is still much research to be done in the field of addiction especially alcoholism. The mechanism alcohol utilizes is disinhibition of GABA in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory transmitter and when it is being disinhibited it is being released more into the brain. This increase of GABA levels in the brain cause the user to feel calm and relaxed. This increase in GABA also causes the user to lose motor function. GABA is also an antagonist

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