1.0Explore Our Extensive Counselling Article Libraryhttps://www.aipc.net.au/articlesAIPChttps://www.aipc.net.au/articles/author/admin/The Psychology of Addictionrich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="Hpu3tSxDwr"><a href="https://www.aipc.net.au/articles/the-psychology-of-addiction/">The Psychology of Addiction</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.aipc.net.au/articles/the-psychology-of-addiction/embed/#?secret=Hpu3tSxDwr" width="600" height="338" title="“The Psychology of Addiction” — Explore Our Extensive Counselling Article Library" data-secret="Hpu3tSxDwr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
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Almost all substance use affects the “reward mechanism” in the brain. The main chemical messenger involved in the brain’s reward mechanism is dopamine. Each time the person uses a substance they will tend to feel ‘good’, which makes them want to use the substance again. Over time, changes in the brain occur (e.g. less dopamine is produced), which lessens the pleasurable effects of the substance and therefore larger amounts are needed to get the same affect.