The slide conceptualises how, though preoccupation, withdrawal, and habit formation, a choice can become a habit.[1] This process of addiction can be thought of as reflecting changes in brain homeostasis, and can ultimately lead to:[1]
- decreased sensitivity for rewards
- increased sensitivity for substance-use cues and reward expectation
- weakened control over substance taking urges and behaviour
- substance tolerance and withdrawal.
Over time, motivation for substance use typically switches from pleasure to a desire to minimise withdrawal.[1] Withdrawal can be thought of as a process of attempting to achieve a new homeostasis, or stability.[1]
Reference:
[1] Nutt DJ, Nestor LJ. What is Addiction? In: Nutt DJ, Nestor LJ (eds). Addiction, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, 2018.