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This is a challenge. Trying to describe the brain reward systems. I have always been  fascinated by the brain function. It started with an extra course in neurobiology in Uppsala.

There is little teaching about the brain reward systems when it comes to today’s drug policy in society and politics. Hence, this an attemt to description.

First, I would humbly like to point out that this topic is very complex, and that there is currently a strong understanding of brain function, but, however, a lot of knowledge is still missing. The big challenge is to realize that brains are different, and thus, it can be difficult to understand how different people think, feel and so on. Furthermore, understanding brain function will increase eg why and how different people act in the micro- and macro world.

Professor Jörgen Engel was my supervisor in neurobiological research, and he has dedicated his life to study how alcohol affects the brain reward systems. Both acute and also longterm effects. Since ethanol is such a small molecule with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, it can affect the brain in so many ways with following complex pharmacology.

Brain reward systems (pluralis!) are extremely important for a species survival. They help to stimulate/reinforce different behaviors such as a feeling of pleasure when eating, drinking, reproduction etc. Thus, fundamental behaviors that are important for survival. So-called positive reinforcement.

What is then brain reward systems? From what I know today, they consist primarily of dopamine neurons that are located in distinct pathways in the brain. It has been noticed in repeated studies that addictive substances have in common to increase the amount of dopamine at the same time with a sense of pleasure. There are of course many other neurotransmitter systems involved in reward.

Addictive drugs (part of a plant) such as amphetamine, cocaine, alcohol and nicotine etc stimulate brain reward systems. If they are aused over a broader time period addiction can occur. In addiction, there are no positive effect of the drug, but rather, the drug is taken to remove the negative effects. For example tolerance and withdrawal symptoms occur. Tolerance is when a higher dose of the drug is used to achive the same effect as in the beginning.

Today, doctors are assisted with a diagnostic system (DSM) which helps them to determine if there is abuse or addiction . There are good pharmaceutical drugs to be used in alliviation and in different assisting programs. It is important to remember that social support in addiction is very important in assisting programs. Unfortunately, more research is needed to develop more effective drugs.

It has also been shown that anabolic steroids, during prolonged use, affects the brain in a very negative and complex way.  Anabolic steroids, are in my opinion, very dangerous. They can influence behavior so that eg aggressiveness  is displayed. The addict may also experience being the world’s best .

An important aspect is that drugs can affect fetal development so that abnormalities can occur. Drugs should definetly be avoided during pregnancies.

I promised to write prevously on this very important subject. This is written in a simle way, but I hope it increases, at least a little, the understanding of brain reward systems.

Ikväll så skriver jag på svenska. Det är ju lite dumt, jag vet inte om det är någon som läser vad jag skriver. Tanken när jag började skriva var att hålla kontakt med de jag känner. Jag har mött ganska många genom livet så jag tycker det är skoj att kunna hålla kontakt eftersom dagens samhälle är så busy. Dessutom, har jag märkt, att det är roligt att läsa det jag har skrivit. Man glömmer så lätt.

Jag befinner mig i en väldigt märklig situation i mitt liv. Eller jag ska nog skriva att jag befinner mig i en situation som jag inte har varit med om tidigare. Eftersom jag är diplomatiskt lagd så försöker jag att lösa detta på bästa sätt. Det som skiljer djur från människor är tanken. Att tänka. Så jag gör mitt bästa. Jag håller på att ta reda på vem min skarprättare är. Märkligt att det finns de som njuter av att vara arkebusator.

Man har gjort studier och sett att människor som normalt ej skulle tortera andra människor kan tortera när de får order från högre instanser. Då försvinner det sk samvetet. Samvete är någonting som jag finner mänskligt.

Vad tycker du? Host, host.

Je t’embrasse,

Anna

I have a confession to make. I have been scared of writing poetry. I never thought that I could compose a poem. I am too humble.

It is getting a little late, over midnight. I am just about to go to sleep. But I just got a strong feeling of writing a poem concentrate of my life.

Sparkling night.

Outside my window, high up in the sky, unreachable, the moon gives comfort.

I feel trust in heaven, endowed with stars. Bright and with beauty.

The stars are guides in life.

They give us direction. Advice. No compass in life needed.

A star represents a person. Rarity. Fragility. Sensitivity.

Romance.

Je t’embrasse,

Anna

I am back in Stockholm after two days in the countryside. I have realized that I am raised in a very conservative spirit. However, since I am forty years old I am mature and have realized a few things in life. Fundamental aspects.

The man should take care of her woman. In Sweden, the land of communism, woman is expected to take care of her man, children, work etc. This at a very low wage.

Imagine. What if woman is set all alone? What would she do? Nothing? Adjust to the mob? Join the communist party?

I have lived alone now for almost a decade. I have changed a lot during these years. This is very difficult for some people to accept. I do not understand why. I have a rather good education which is not good enough for Sweden, the mother of communism.

I would very much like to live together with a man. But since I have been hurt I am very careful.

Of course I feel a lot sorry for this. I think of my sisters. I know I have many sisters in the same situation as I am. So, I hope I can be of some support for future women generations.

I cannot stop thinking about the role of a man and a woman.

I am grown up in a very conservative environment. My father has always taken care of my mother, brother and  me. That is what counts. Family.

So important.

I take care of my parents and brother in my turn. This is so natural for me. It feels so, I don’t know what to say, but horrible to let my parents live elsewhere but at home.

I am so conservative and traditional.

But, let me put it this way. What would you be without your family? Relatives? I think you should ask yourself: what is important in your life?

This way of living is very common on south of Europe. I find it so sensible. Human.

Can you, please, give me some of your input?

Je t’embrasse,

Anna

…har jag alltid haft. Mål. Målmedvetenhet.

Ibland kan jag känna att livet stannar till. Och det behövs ibland. Jag kan känna mig ledsen, väldigt ledsen ibland, över mitt liv. Mitt livsöde. Samtidigt så tror jag att denna erfarenhet och insikt ger mig enorm styrka.

Jag är i en prekär situation med min förra arbetsgivare som jag väntar ska lösas på bästa sätt. Jag skulle kunna berätta mycket men jag lärde mig i Norge att man ska ha en god relation med sin arbetsgivare. Det har jag i och för sig vetat förut och alltid arbetat utifrån. Jag är alltid seriös.

Jag kan känna ilska. Stor ilska. Frustration. Det kan nog de flesta känna igen sig i. Det gäller att kunna hantera sina känslor. Har dessutom en pågående infektion som jag försöker tygla.

Är i mitt rum där jag växte upp. Visste ni att det spökar här? Läskigt.

Idag reflekterade jag över alla timmar som jag lagt ner på att plugga. Har det varit värt det? Studieskuld. Förlorad tid? Var är jag idag?

Jag kommer förmodligen att byta inriktning i mitt liv helt och hållet. Känner mig sviken. Bedragen. Bedragen och sviken av mig själv?

Längtar efter kärlek. Men ömsesidig sådan.

Je t’embrasse,

Anna

I am on a strict diet. I have actually never been on a diet like this, so this is completely new for me. I have always done some form of exercise to stay in good shape.

I do not know. But there is something with the food I buy. I get very dizzy.

I believe all humans need some kind of reward. I usually reward myself with some sweets. Right now, I find it very difficult not having any reward at all. I have to learn my brain not to be so found of sweets. And I have to find new rewards. That is why I love photos. Sweet Lady and Tippa. For example.

Alcohol interferes with brain reward systems in a very complex way. And what is important for us women is to really be aware of that Alcohol eg increases the risk of breast cancer. It also reduces the responsiveness of your immune system. But maybe most important, regular alcohol intake can lead to dependence.

I am really scared that it is not mentioned in the debate today that when youngsters are exposed to a drug, the risk of being more sensitive to another drug increases dramatically. So, for society in general, it is very dangerous to have a drug liberal politic. Politicians believe that they know what is right without having a solid ground.

I don´t know how many times I need to repeat that politicians need to learn biology. Maybe I need to learn more politics

I will soon write more about brain reward systems. I am just not ready yet.

Je t’embrasse,

Anna