• Question: Why are some drugs additive and others not?

    Asked by lgs10abram to Jemma, John, Katie, Lisa on 22 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Jemma Ransom

      Jemma Ransom answered on 22 Jun 2012:

      Hi @Igs10abram

      theoretically, it is possible to get addicted to any drug, or indeed habit! The part of the brain that is involved in the brain is something called the reward pathway. When we eat a good meal or watch an interesting programme on the telly, this part of the brain is activated. For a drug addict, this pathway becomes activated when they take a drug. Now as you say some substances are more addictive than others, we think this is because they have a direct on this particular mechanism in your brain causing you to feel happy when you have taken your drug of choice. Other substances do not affect this pathway, and so are less addictive.

      Jemma

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