Pleasure or euphoria-the high from drugs-is still poorly understood, but it probably involves surges of chemical signalling compounds including the body’s natural opioids (endorphins) and other neurotransmitters (like dopamine) in parts of the basal ganglia (the brain reward circuit). When some drugs are taken, they can cause surges of these neurotransmitters much greater than the smaller bursts naturally produced in association with healthy rewards like eating, hearing or playing music, having sex, playing sport, or social interaction.
Taking illicit drugs, and engaging in behaviours such as gambling can all cause dopamine levels in the brain to spike and it is these higher levels of dopamine that can lead to feelings of euphoria, bliss, and enhanced motivation and concentration which is also called being “high” If you brain identifies being high as its source of pleasure, it will always tell you to smoke, because it (you) wants to be happy. Who doesn’t?
For people living with the disease of addiction and after long periods of using drugs and alcohol, the brain becomes accustomed to getting satisfaction from drugs only and no other activities e.g., the ones mentioned above. The brain will only recognize and appreciate drugs and alcohol and it will tell your body to do anything to achieve this, including harming yourself and those you love.
Dopamine is a so-called messenger substance or neurotransmitter that conveys signals between neurons. It not only controls mental and emotional responses but also motor reactions. Dopamine is particularly known as being the “happy hormone.” It is responsible for our experiencing happiness. Even so-called adrenaline rushes, such as those experienced when playing sport, are based on the same pattern. Adrenaline is a close relative of dopamine. However, serious health problems can arise if too little or too much dopamine is being produced. If too few dopamine molecules are released, Parkinson’s disease can develop, while an excess can lead to obsession, hallucinations and schizophrenia.
Dopamine release is also responsible for people becoming addicted, in that they are always seeking pleasure, so that they can reach higher and higher dopamine levels. Dopamine is the reason why a lot of people are constantly seeking to satisfy their cravings.