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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes The Power Of Addiction More Stronger Than To Lead A Healthy Life?

My grandson asked why his grandfather smokes even though he knows it can kill him. I wonder why the power of addiction is so much stronger than the will to live a healthy life. My husband is very hyperactive and disabled. I see that the smoking calms him and is really a substitute for working or activity. Do you believe if you continue to smoke you actually have a hidden death wish?
Fri, 5 Sep 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Addiction results from powerful circuits in the brain. The drug, whether nicotine or something else, stimulates receptors in the brain cells that create a good feeling. This could be euphoria, or the calming sensation your husband gets from smoking. If those receptors are frequently stimulated, they become tolerant to the drug's effect, and a larger dose is required to achieve the effect. After awhile, if the stimulation stops (ie no more drug), a bad feeling is created than can only be relieved by taking the drug again. This causes cravings for that drug, and the person continues to use it. This is a very powerful stimulus-response cycle and difficult to end. Since it is due to physiologic and chemical controls, it can readily overcome the desire to lead a healthy life. For the most part, I don't believe it's due to a hidden death wish. Hope this answers your query.
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What Causes The Power Of Addiction More Stronger Than To Lead A Healthy Life?

Addiction results from powerful circuits in the brain. The drug, whether nicotine or something else, stimulates receptors in the brain cells that create a good feeling. This could be euphoria, or the calming sensation your husband gets from smoking. If those receptors are frequently stimulated, they become tolerant to the drug s effect, and a larger dose is required to achieve the effect. After awhile, if the stimulation stops (ie no more drug), a bad feeling is created than can only be relieved by taking the drug again. This causes cravings for that drug, and the person continues to use it. This is a very powerful stimulus-response cycle and difficult to end. Since it is due to physiologic and chemical controls, it can readily overcome the desire to lead a healthy life. For the most part, I don t believe it s due to a hidden death wish. Hope this answers your query.