Drug and Device Addiction Affect the Brain's Reward Circuitry Similarly
A free anti-drug counseling session was organized by Prothom Alo Trust on June 25, 2026, at the Prothom Alo office to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Professor Dr. Helal Ahmed, a distinguished child and adolescent psychiatrist, provided consultation during the 178th online session. The theme for this year was 'Global Drug Problem: Ongoing Crisis, New Challenges, and Innovative Solutions.'
During the discussion, Dr. Ahmed elaborated on the scientific understanding that both drug addiction and device addiction impact the same neural pathways in the brain. He explained that this area is known as the 'reward circuit' or 'pleasure circuit.' Consequently, the outward behavioral manifestations of addiction, such as irritability and emotional expression, are virtually identical whether caused by drugs or excessive device use.
The primary distinction lies in the nature of the dependency: drug addiction is chemical-based, while device addiction is non-chemical. Despite this difference in origin, Dr. Ahmed emphasized that both types of addiction require equal empathy and awareness from caregivers when dealing with affected children and adolescents.
This discussion highlights a critical convergence in understanding addiction. The scientific principle that both chemical and behavioral addictions activate the brain's reward system suggests that interventions may share common therapeutic targets. From a public health perspective, recognizing device addiction as functionally similar to substance abuse necessitates a re-evaluation of societal norms and support structures. Future policy and treatment frameworks should consider the shared neurobiological underpinnings to develop more holistic and effective strategies for addiction prevention and recovery in the digital age.
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