What Part Of The Brain Controls Alcohol Addiction?

What Part Of The Brain Controls Alcohol Addiction?

It’s no secret that alcohol addiction can cause a lot of damage to different parts of the body, including the brain. But what exactly is it about the brain that makes it so susceptible to addiction?

According to recent research, there are actually specific areas of the brain that are linked with alcohol addiction. These areas are known as the “reward center” and the “emotional center.”

The reward center is responsible for releasing dopamine, which is a chemical that makes us feel good. When we drink alcohol, this chemical is released in large amounts and it gives us a sense of pleasure. However, over time, our brains become used to this high level of dopamine and we need to drink more and more alcohol to get the same feeling. This is what leads to tolerance and addiction.

The emotional center is responsible for regulating our emotions. When this part of the brain is damaged by alcohol, it can lead to problems with mood swings, anxiety, and depression. This can make it even harder to quit drinking because we may turn to alcohol in order to self-medicate these negative emotions.

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important to understand that it’s not just a matter of willpower. There are actual physical changes happening in the brain that make it difficult to quit.

If you or someone you know needs help overcoming alcoholism, please reach out to a professional treatment program. They can help you understand these changes in the brain and develop a plan for recovery.

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Medically Reviewed By:

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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