Taylor GreubelMrs. GarrelsBiologyMay 19, 2014The Addictive MindThe human brain is the complex and sensitive organ of the entire body. It is made up of a complex network of billions of sensitive nerve cells called neurons. Neurons are electrically excitable cells that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. One of the disadvantages of this incredible organ is the neurological condition that the brain is so prone to, known as addiction. Addiction is the dependence on a particular substance, thing, or activity. Unfortunately, you can become addicted to almost anything in the world. The most common substances that the brain becomes dependent on are caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and other controlled substances. Addiction is truly a disease; Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain and neurotransmitters. Some things that the brain can become addicted to, such as drugs and alcohol, can change the structure and functioning of the brain after repetitive use. Many people believe that addiction is a choice made by the addict, which is not true. The initial intake of the substance is usually always a conscious decision, but dependence on a particular substance is different for everyone. It may only take one time for the addict to become addicted; each person has a different tolerance level. After the initial intake, the substance is already causing changes in the brain that erode self-control and the ability to make the right behavioral choices. Some may not become addicted while others do; it all depends on the person's biology. Scientists have found that a person's genetic code accounts for about 50% of drug addicts' vulnerability to addiction, while the remaining 50% is the center of the card... depending on the substance, drugs and alcohol will transform the shape and the functional abilities of your brain, but with any substance you can become addicted to, there is always a “need” aspect. The caffeine addiction experiment conducted by Jennifer Temple shows that caffeine intake caused children to perform at a different level than they would without caffeine in their bodies. When caffeine enters your body it mimics the chemical adenosine produced by neurons. When you drink caffeine, neurons are released throughout the day, and as more is produced, it begins to shut down the nervous system. Caffeine, drugs, alcohol and nicotine are just chemicals used to imitate different natural chemicals and processes to trick our mind. The most complex organ in our body can easily be deceived and destroyed by human creations.