Pill That Cure Bad Habit: Everyone knows that drinking alcohol is harmful in every way. Despite this people drink. Have you ever wondered why people do this? Actually, behind this a happiness hormone is released in our brain which makes us feel relaxed and extremely happy. By doing this consistently, it becomes a habit and gives us a better happiness reward system. This is not limited to alcohol only. If you continuously shop or continuously scroll the reels, you will get the same feeling. Even while gambling, this feeling is felt. That’s why even after developing a habit, people are not able to give up these bad habits even if they want to because when you do not do these things, you will not get the happiness that was there as a habit and you will become restless. But now this will not happen because scientists are working on a medicine which after consuming can block such reward system in the human brain. With this one can be freed from these bad addictions.
Drug reward system stops
According to the news of Indian Express, medicines like Naltrexone can get rid of these bad habits. Because just like a medicine that reduces appetite, in the same way this medicine shuts down the reward system which gives us happiness. Now understand the reward system a little more clearly. When we do something pleasant, like eating delicious food, getting likes on social media, shopping or consuming alcohol/cigarettes, chemicals like dopamine are released in the brain. These chemicals make us feel good and train the brain in such a way that we want to do this work again. This entire process is called the reward system of the brain. New research shows that these medicines can not only reduce other addictions including alcohol but also other addictions like uncontrolled shopping, continuous mobile scrolling.
How does this medicine work?
Psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital, Delhi Dr. Astik Joshi It is said that drinking alcohol releases natural opioids in the body. These opioids activate receptors in the brain that give a feeling of happiness. The drug Naltrexone binds to these receptors and blocks them. Due to this, the reward system in the brain will not be activated due to which there will be no happy feeling in the brain after taking these things. However, naltrexone is approved for the treatment of alcohol addiction. Drinking alcohol releases endorphins in the body, which activate opioid receptors in the brain and give a feeling of happiness and satisfaction. Naltrexone blocks these receptors, which reduces the pleasure we get from alcohol. Its effect is that the craving for alcohol decreases and the risk of excessive drinking or getting addicted again is reduced. Many patients say that during treatment they have less desire to drink alcohol and are able to control their intake better.
Positive results in other diseases also
According to reports, in addition to addiction-related problems, naltrexone is now being seen in the treatment of behavioral addictions as well. These include gambling addiction, unnecessary shopping habits, internet addiction and even self-harmful behaviour. The same brain pathway works in all these problems, which is linked to the reward system and self-control. For people who resort to self-harm or reckless behavior to control their emotions, this medication can help control the emotions that trigger such behavior. Although scientific research is still going on on this topic, the initial results are encouraging. However, as far as over-buying addiction is concerned, limited and small-scale studies have been conducted on this drug. On the other hand, clinical studies have found evidence of the effectiveness of naltrexone in reducing gambling addiction. In some studies, its positive results have also been seen in problems like stealing habit and hair pulling. It has also been tested in drug and marijuana addiction, where initial results are good. Despite all this, research is still in the initial stage, hence these medicines should never be used for these things without consulting doctors.
Medicine is not the only solution
It is important to understand that naltrexone is not a magic cure. Addiction to anything is a complex problem. Body, mind and social aspects are all involved in this. The best results are achieved when medication is combined with counselling, behavioral changes, family support and long-term follow-up. For safe and effective treatment, it is very important to select the right patient, monitor the doctor and follow the treatment rules. With increasing awareness about mental health and addiction and decreasing hesitation related to it in the society, medicines like Naltrexone are emerging as a hope. When used properly, this medication can help patients regain control over their lives and reduce the risk of relapse.
