Yup you read it right. Neurobiology is a big word for how the brain works. Addictions are those things we can’t stop doing because it feels good. Sexual arousal parallels that of cocaine in its relationship to “pleasure” chemicals in the brain (dopamine for those of you with inquiring minds). Studies show that as far as the brain is concerned, a reward is a reward, whether it’s food, sex, porn, gambling (gamblin for those of you in Tennessee), or shopping. Due to an impaired functioning of certain parts of the brain (frontal cortex for those of you with inquiring minds), individuals with addictions are not able to objectively judge the dangers, risks, or negative impact of their behavior.
This leads to instant gratification of impulsive cravings. These “pleasure” chemicals mimic the cocaine “high.” Many addictions (especially sexual addictions) stem from the fear of abandonment. These individuals do not trust themselves or others. They find comfort in their addictive, compulsive, and fantasy which is a false substitute for the true intimacy they are searching for. In the past heard others and I myself have mistakenly made the statement about addicts, “why don’t they just stop?” or “they could stop is they wanted to.” Well, it’s more complicated than that. The addictive behavior is only the symptom. The behavior will continue until the root cause (eg fear of abandonment) is healed by God and/or through counseling and therapy.
For more information contact www.thepeacemakercenter.org or rwcreasy@gmail.com
Thanks for a clear look into the cause of addiction.
Kathy