What is the Reward System?
The reward system is a brain circuit that causes pleasurable feelings when you do something that feels good, such as eat good food, fall in love, or engage in a hobby. When an activity is categorized as pleasurable, the brain responds by producing dopamine. Addiction is said to “hijack” the reward system because drugs and […]
Searching for Dopamine During the Pandemic
As I learn about dopamine’s role in addiction, I understand why I and others in recovery might engage in self-destructive behaviors. Recovery gives us a chance to channel self-destructive tendencies in healthy ways; many of us have worked hard on this. But the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate these proclivities, even if we are staying away […]