Drug Addiction and Obesity

Since the beginning of time, our biological instincts led us to eat. That same instinct brought upon the exploration of food sources, including fermented fruits and the chewing of tobacco leaves. With the discovery of these mood-altering substances, substance addiction was born. Interestingly enough, the drive to eat and the use of drugs are far more biologically related than just this.

Scientific studies have intricately mapped the reward system in our brains. Upon stimulation, neurotransmitters are released, causing dopamine to travel through the body, eliciting a "high" when taking drugs or eating rich foods. With this correlation, obesity can be understood on a different level and treated more properly, as a food addiction. 

Not everyone who tries drugs, becomes addicted and those who indulge in rich foods, don't always become obese. There are many factors that encourage these addictions, such as genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, as well as neurobiology and its reward system. Genetic manipulation is currently out of our control but another way to treat the obesity epidemic, is prevention. By following the same route that has been taken with drugs, the hope is to make it less appealing. Reduce the seduction. Sexy smoking ads have become illegal, so the lure of cheap prices, delectable taste and quick meals, should follow suit. 

In conclusion, because these two addictions are so similar, it is fair to mention that those dependent on drugs, will find a way to use, as will people addicted to food. It is a personal choice and that should not change but hopefully, like the fall in cigarette smoking, those addicted to food will have the willpower to kick the habit.

Volkow, N., & Wise, R. (2005). How Can Drug Addiction Help Us Understand Obesity? Nature Neuroscience, 555-560. Retrieved October 27, 2014, from
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v8/n5/full/nn1452.html

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