The Science of Addiction

Researchers in neurosciences are making some interesting discoveries about the brain and addiction. For instance there is a tiny area in the base of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. This cluster of cells helps with motivation and pleasure. It can be called the pleasure center, and for this reason it is very active in addictions of all types. It even has an important role in love, attachment, and depression. There are efforts to find medica- tions to decrease the activity of this nucleus in addictions.