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The thrill of new love can affect the brain in a similar way to cocaine from "summary" of Why We Love by Helen Fisher
The experience of falling in love can be intoxicating, literally. When we are in the throes of new love, our brain is flooded with a potent mix of chemicals that can mimic the effects of cocaine. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure, surges in the brain when we are infatuated with someone. This flood of dopamine can create a feeling of euphoria and intense motivation, similar to the high that cocaine users experience. But dopamine is not the only chemical at play in the brain during the early stages of love. Norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter, also spikes during this time, leading to increased heart rate, sweaty palms, and a general sense of excitement. In fact, norepinephrine levels in people who are newly in love have been found to be similar to those of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, also plays a role in the chemistry of love. Levels of serotonin drop in individuals who are in love, similar to what is seen in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This decrease in serotonin may help explain why we can't stop thinking about our new love interest, even when we try to focus on other things. The combination of these chemicals working together in the brain can create a powerful cocktail of emotions that fuels the intense feelings we have when we are falling in love. This chemical rush can be addictive, leading us to constantly seek out our new love interest and crave their presence. In fact, studies have shown that looking at a photo of a loved one can activate the same brain regions as those activated by cocaine in addicts. So, the next time you find yourself head over heels for someone, remember that your brain is in a chemically altered state that is not so different from the effects of a powerful drug. Love truly can be a drug, with the power to intoxicate us and make us behave in ways we never thought possible.
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