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Love can give you a `high`, says addiction expert: The Hindustan Times
London, Nov 27: Being in love is physically similar to the buzz of taking drugs and also has withdrawal symptoms, an expert on addiction has said.
London, Nov 27: Being in love is physically similar to the buzz of taking drugs and also has withdrawal symptoms, an expert on addiction has said.
According to a BBC report, Dr. John Marsden says dopamine - the drug released by the brain when it is aroused - has similar effects on the body and mind as Cocaine or Speed.
"Attraction and lust really is like a drug. It leaves you wanting more. Being attracted to someone sparks the same incredible feelings no matter who you are. Love really does know no boundaries," the National Addiction Centre head said. His findings will appear in a BBC programme to be broadcast next month.
According to Dr. Marsden - a chartered psychologist - the brain which processes emotions becomes "fired up" when talking to someone it finds attractive.
"The heart pounds three times faster than normal and causes blood to be diverted to the cheeks and sexual organs, which causes the feeling of butterflies in the stomach," he added.
However, as with Cocaine and Speed, the "hit" is only temporary, though it can last between three and seven years.
Dr. Marsden's research for the BBC's Body Hits series suggests that people look for similar features to themselves in a partner as they are searching for characteristics in their mother and father, who have already successfully raised a child.
"It might look like we are all after the perfect partner to wine and dine but underneath, our animal instincts are seeking out an ideal mate to share our genes with," Marsden stated.
The research also suggests sex is booby-trapped to make partners bond. "Your body has evolved over millions of years with one aim - to go forth and multiply, so while having kids may not be on the agenda just yet your body has a few tricks up its sleeve to drag you in that direction," he added. According to the research the more two people have sex together, the more likely they are to bond.
"Attraction and lust really is like a drug. It leaves you wanting more. Being attracted to someone sparks the same incredible feelings no matter who you are. Love really does know no boundaries," the National Addiction Centre head said. His findings will appear in a BBC programme to be broadcast next month.
According to Dr. Marsden - a chartered psychologist - the brain which processes emotions becomes "fired up" when talking to someone it finds attractive.
"The heart pounds three times faster than normal and causes blood to be diverted to the cheeks and sexual organs, which causes the feeling of butterflies in the stomach," he added.
However, as with Cocaine and Speed, the "hit" is only temporary, though it can last between three and seven years.
Dr. Marsden's research for the BBC's Body Hits series suggests that people look for similar features to themselves in a partner as they are searching for characteristics in their mother and father, who have already successfully raised a child.
"It might look like we are all after the perfect partner to wine and dine but underneath, our animal instincts are seeking out an ideal mate to share our genes with," Marsden stated.
The research also suggests sex is booby-trapped to make partners bond. "Your body has evolved over millions of years with one aim - to go forth and multiply, so while having kids may not be on the agenda just yet your body has a few tricks up its sleeve to drag you in that direction," he added. According to the research the more two people have sex together, the more likely they are to bond.