It is hard to comprehend the brain’s structure. One example is the dopamine-driven rewards system. We wouldn’t exist without it. We could fall into a trap if we don’t have it. Let’s dive in. It’s important and fascinating.
This disconnection sets us up for addiction, as we seek out other sources of dopamine. These ‘other sources of dopamine’ are shockingly similar to a list of cultural complaints: overeating, obesity, alcohol and drug abuse, consumerism and chronic hooking up.
Our reward system plays a major role in the development of substance abuse disorders.
What is often overlooked, however, is the role that impulse control plays in a variety of situations: excessive Internet use, hypersexuality, overeating and problem gambling.
It can also be a factor in the creation of anxiety and mood problems.
The reward system is fascinating to me and I think it’s relevant to our work here at Chipur. You will love it too, I am sure.
We’ll even make it a series, and return in a few days with a detailed article on dopamine.
Let’s get busy…
What are the rewards?
The reward system is made up of brain structures and pathways that are responsible for cognitive functions such as learning behavior through association, behavior learning by reward and punishment, motivation, and desire for a reward.
The reward system was designed to encourage survival behaviors such as reproduction, eating and socializing.