Evolved for Addiction

I don't believe that any one thing is to blame. By that, I don't mean that drugs or alcohol are not addictive, because they are, but I do think that part of the reason we are able to get addicted is because of how humans are built.

Early humans evolved to use their senses to survive. Our eyes have a wide view of everything that happens in front of us. Our ears are sensitive, we can perceive the direction of sounds if we listen carefully. Our sense of smell and taste are linked, and when one isn't working well, like when you have a cold, the other one is affected.

I believe that these senses, because of their many uses and powerful aspects, help increase our ability to become addicted.

Some people are addicted to food, because they love the taste, or they smell something that they want. They just eat it because of those senses. In someone that is drawn to food, perhaps those senses are stronger that someone who doesn't care about food.

Another person might be addicted to watching television because they are visually stimulated. Perhaps a person who learns visually, because they use that skill to learn in school, is more susceptible to desiring television all of the time.

Someone else might like to work out, toning their body into a model of physical perfection. Their build and body shape may lend itself to those tenancies.

And some people can't go anywhere without music playing in their headphones or in the car while they drive. Is that an addiction? It would seem so. They enjoy the melodies as they move throughout their day, going from place to place, with music always playing.

I know that studies show that the brain releases chemicals when it is pleased, and that drugs and alcohol simulate that in their own way. But I believe that there is something to be said about how humans began and evolved and how we use technology to exploit and enjoy the power of our senses.