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 release of dopamine makes it challenging to divert attention from the goal of obtaining drugs, while also heightening focus on the motivational value of drugs rather than pleasure. Volkow suggests that individuals with addictions are caught in a cycle of physical brain changes and psychological consequences, resulting in further adaptations.