From: Hijacked: How Drugs Redraw the Map of Your Brain
perspectivescientific

Science views addiction as a chronic brain disease. It is not a failure of willpower or bad character. Drugs physically change the shape and chemistry of brain cells. These changes last long after the drug leaves the body, making relapse a constant biological threat.

controversy

Supporting arguments

  • Brain scans show clear physical damage in users.
  • Dopamine pathways are hijacked, altering survival instincts.
  • Genetics account for about half of a person's risk of addiction.
Read the full exploration
What else is in this exploration
3 evidence blocks3 visualizations3 insights8 media resources5 rabbit holes
evidence
Drugs force the brain to destroy its own joy receivers.
evidence
The brain can slowly rebuild itself if drug use stops.
evidence
Long-term drug use damages the brain's decision-making center.
Sign up to unlock
Continue exploring
Hijacked: How Drugs Redraw the Map of Your Brain
Evidence, perspectives, rabbit holes, and more