This complex slide shows the brain systems involved
in addiction and mental illness — along with
the neurotransmitters or chemicals that carry the messages
which result in the behaviors we define as addictive
or inappropriate. In the pages that follow, we will
focus in on each quadrant of this slide to present
WHY we do the things we do.
At the center of the slide is the brain and
the two primary brain systems involved — the NEOCORTEX and
the LIMBIC SYSTEM.
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The first brain state — shown in the
upper right hand quadrant of the slide — is AROUSAL.
The drugs which cause arousal states are:
- COCAINE
- AMPHETAMINES
- DIET PILLS
- MDMA (also known as Ecstasy)
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The psychiatric condition that mimics these
drugs is MANIA, the manic phase of a manic
depressive or bipolar disorder.
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The neurotransmitters that mediate this state
are ADRENALIN and DOPAMINE.
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The triggers that stimulate these neurotransmitters
into action and cause mania are:
- GAMBLING
- SEX (Power)
- SPORTS
- CRISES
- SHOPLIFTING
- WORK
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In the lower right quadrant of the slide is
the state of FANTASY and the neurotransmitters
involved:
- DOPAMINE
- PEA (Phenylethylamine)
- SERATONIN
- NOREPINEPHRINE
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Fantasy is caused by three drugs:
- THC (Marijuana)
- LSD
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
Note that Ecstasy has both stimulant (Arousal)
and hallucinogenic (Fantasy) properties
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The mental conditions that mimic fantasy are:
- SCHIZOPRENIA
- OTHER PSYCHOSES
In this mental state, you lose touch with
reality.
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The triggers that stimulate the neurotransmitters
that cause fantasy are:
- SEX
- INFATUATION
- MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE
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In the lower left corner of the slide is the
state of SATIATION and the neurotransmitters
involved:
- GABA (Gamma amino butyric acid)
- ENDORPHINS
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The drugs that cause SATIATION are:
- FOOD
- ALCOHOL
- SEDATIVES
- PAIN PILLS
- OPIATES
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These "downer" drugs cause the mental
conditions of:
- APATHY
- ANHEDONIA (the inability to experience
pleasure)
- DEPRESSION
… the exact opposite of mania
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The triggers that stimulate the neurotransmitters
and cause satiation are:
- SEX (Security)
- RELATIONSHIPS
- SHOPPING
- TV
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In the upper left corner of the slide is the
state of SUPER REALITY. We don’t
know what the neurotransmitters of this mental
state are…
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The three triggers that cause it are:
- SKY DIVING
- ROCK CLIMBING
- FLYING (Pilot)
This is the only quadrant in which sex does
not appear.
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So sex can be an arousal mechanism today…a fantasy
mechanism tonight…and it can cause depression
tomorrow…and they’re interchangeable. You
can see how complicated sex can be.
Remember everything associated with drug and alcohol
use are indelibly etched in the amygdala section of
the brain…so, depending on which drug is used,
sex leads to arousal, fantasy or satiation-driven feelings
and behaviors…and they’re interchangeable.
Sex is truly complicated. It’s no wonder it’s
part of such a powerful factor in relapse.
