A steady influx of dopamine makes it difficult to shift attention away from the goal of attaining drugs. It also fastens attention to the motivational value of drugs, not pleasure. Volkow suggests that people with addictions are caught in a vicious circle of physical brain changes and the psychological consequences of those changes, leading to further changes.
The persistent dopamine surge hinders the ability to shift attention away from the goal of obtaining drugs, while also amplifying focus on the motivational value of substances rather than pleasure. Volkow suggests that individuals with addictions are ensnared in a cycle of physical brain modifications and psychological consequences, resulting in further adaptations.