31、人类为什么会有欲望？
31. Why do humans have desires?

我们说上瘾是因为欲罢不能？其实不仅上瘾是欲望引起的，我们各种生理活动也是欲望产生的。比如食欲、性欲、求知欲等等。
We say addiction is because one cannot stop? In fact, not only is addiction caused by desires, but also our various physiological activities are driven by desires. For example, appetite, sexual desire, thirst for knowledge, and so on.

为什么会有欲望呢？因为要生存，必然要有“避害趋利”的能力。怎么避害趋利呢？首先是要分辨利害，其次要追求和躲避的意愿。
Why do desires exist? Because to survive, it is necessary to have the ability to 'avoid harm and seek benefit.' How to avoid harm and seek benefit? First, one must distinguish between benefit and harm, and second, have the will to pursue or avoid them.

欲望把利和害目录植入你基因中，一遇到这些诱惑和危险，你就会不经过思考产生去追或逃的行为。
Desires implant the catalog of benefits and harms into your genes. Once encountering these temptations and dangers, you will instinctively act to pursue or flee without thinking.

比如，从没见到过蜘蛛的婴儿，见到后就会哭着躲避。却对更有伤害力的刀和枪无动于衷，因为蜘蛛有害在漫长进化中，已经根植到基因里，而刀枪只是近几百年出现的人造危险品。同样，人类吃到甜的就很开心，想继续吃，吃到苦的就拒绝。因为甜的因为有糖分，能够提供能量供给，而苦往往代表有毒。
For example, a baby who has never seen a spider will cry and avoid it upon first encounter, yet remains indifferent to more harmful objects like knives and guns. This is because the fear of spiders, as a threat ingrained through long evolution, is embedded in our genes, whereas blades and firearms are man-made dangers that emerged only in recent centuries. Similarly, humans instinctively feel happy and crave more when tasting sweetness, but reject bitterness. This is because sweetness indicates sugar, which provides energy, while bitterness often signals toxicity.

32、生理欲望从何而来？
32. Where do physiological desires originate from?

“欲”我们可以拆开一下，欲=谷+欠。左边是谷，右边是欠。代表着缺少食物，就产生了食欲。缺少伴侣就产生了性欲，缺少知识就产生了求知欲。似乎欲望就是因为缺少而天然产生的。
Breaking down the Chinese character for "desire" (欲), it consists of "valley" (谷) on the left and "lack" (欠) on the right. This symbolizes that appetite arises from a lack of food, sexual desire stems from the absence of a partner, and the thirst for knowledge emerges from a deficiency in understanding. It seems desires naturally manifest as responses to scarcity.

但是随着技术发展，人们慢慢发现并不是那么简单。比如，“厌食症”患者胃里缺少食物的时候，并不会产生食欲。再比如 “糖尿病”患者，身体不缺少水份，还经常还会口渴。还有 “阿尔茨海默病（AD）”病人，最后“食欲、性欲、排泄欲”全部没有了。
However, with technological advancements, we've gradually realized the reality is more complex. For instance, patients with "anorexia" don't develop appetite when their stomachs are empty. Similarly, "diabetes" patients often experience thirst even when their bodies aren't dehydrated. Moreover, individuals with "Alzheimer's disease (AD)" eventually lose all desires—"appetite, sexual drive, and excretory urges."

这些现代疾病，充分证明了欲望并不是因为“缺少”而直接产生的，肯定有别的原因。
These modern ailments fully demonstrate that desires are not directly generated due to "lack"; there must be other reasons.

33、生理欲望从何而来？
33. Where do physiological desires come from?

欲望不是因为缺少而产生的，那是从哪里来的呢？人们通过核磁共振成像观察大脑的运转。就发现当人食欲旺盛的时候，下丘脑摄食神经区域特别活跃，分泌大量神经递质。而当进食以后，不再分泌神经递质，就没了食欲！
Desires do not arise from lack, so where do they come from? By observing brain activity through MRI scans, researchers found that when a person has a strong appetite, the hypothalamic feeding neural region becomes particularly active, secreting large amounts of neurotransmitters. However, after eating, the neurotransmitters stop being secreted, and the appetite disappears!

当人缺水的时候，体液溶质浓度过大，同样也是下丘脑区域活动剧烈，释放大量神经递质，让人产生饮水的欲望；
When a person is dehydrated, the solute concentration in bodily fluids becomes too high, and the hypothalamic region also becomes highly active, releasing large amounts of neurotransmitters, which creates the desire to drink water.

当人性成熟时候，大脑检测到人体激素含量过多，于是脑垂体分泌促性腺激素，使人产生性欲。
When human nature matures, the brain detects excessive levels of hormones in the body, prompting the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotropins, which generate sexual desire.

于是人们知道了欲望其实是大脑的生理机制，大脑侦测到人体某些物质和营养缺少或过多时候，就会在相应的区域释放神经递质（一种信息素），产生相应的欲望，然后再传达给中枢神经，产生相应的身体反应。
Thus, people understand that desires are essentially physiological mechanisms of the brain. When the brain detects deficiencies or excesses of certain substances and nutrients in the body, it releases neurotransmitters (a type of pheromone) in corresponding regions, producing specific desires, which are then transmitted to the central nervous system, triggering corresponding physical responses.

34、神经递质让欲罢不能？
34. Neurotransmitters make it irresistible?

欲望是大脑释放神经递质产生的，那什么是神经递质呢？人脑中含有很多神经细胞，叫做神经元。神经元突起相互接触的部位，叫做突触，两个神经细胞的突触并不是连在一起的，中间留有间隙。信号怎么通过间隙传递呢?这时候就需要用到一种化学物质来当递质了
Desires are generated by neurotransmitters released by the brain. So what are neurotransmitters? The human brain contains numerous nerve cells called neurons. The points where neuron extensions connect are called synapses. The synapses of two nerve cells are not directly connected; there is a gap between them. How does the signal cross this gap? This is where a chemical substance acts as a transmitter.

这种递质就叫做神经递质。不同神经递质成分传递不同信息，引发不同欲望，多巴胺、内啡肽、血清素等神经递质引发追求的欲望，而皮质醇、肾上腺激素则引发逃跑的欲望。人类所有的生理欲望和上瘾欲望都是由神经递质引起的。
This neurotransmitter is called a neurotransmitter. Different neurotransmitter components transmit different information and trigger different desires. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin trigger the desire to pursue, while cortisol and adrenaline trigger the desire to flee. All human physiological desires and addictive desires are caused by neurotransmitters.

35、神经递质让你快乐让你飞
35. Neurotransmitters make you happy and make you fly

神经递质产生欲望的同时，也产生强烈的快感，是大脑对你实施欲望的补偿。多巴胺、内啡肽、血清素、苯基乙胺这些产生追求的神经递质，会让你产生快乐感觉，所以命名为快乐物质。
While neurotransmitters generate desires, they also produce intense pleasure, which is the brain's reward for fulfilling those desires. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, and phenylethylamine, which drive pursuit, create feelings of happiness, hence they are named "happy chemicals."

多巴胺是一种快乐物质经典代表，它和人的情欲、感觉有关，它传递兴奋及开心的信息。多巴胺过多分泌也与各种上瘾行为直接原因。
Dopamine is a classic representative of happy chemicals. It is related to human emotions and sensations, transmitting messages of excitement and joy. Excessive secretion of dopamine is also a direct cause of various addictive behaviors.

2012年有科学家研究出多巴胺可以有助进一步医治帕金森症。治疗方法在于恢复脑内多巴胺的水准及控制病情。而服用多巴胺的帕金森患者，很容易性上瘾和毒瘾。而冰毒学名叫甲基苯丙胺，和多巴胺分子式非常类似。也能让人产生强烈的欲望和快感，立刻就会上瘾。
In 2012, scientists discovered that dopamine could help further treat Parkinson's disease. The treatment involves restoring dopamine levels in the brain and controlling the condition. However, Parkinson's patients taking dopamine are prone to developing sexual addiction and drug dependence. The scientific name for methamphetamine is methylamphetamine, which has a molecular formula very similar to dopamine. It can also induce intense desires and pleasure, leading to immediate addiction.

36、神经递质的种类
36. Types of Neurotransmitters

快乐物质（追求欲望）：多巴胺、内啡肽、血清素、催产素、苯基乙胺
Happiness substances (pursuit of desires): Dopamine, Endorphins, Serotonin, Oxytocin, Phenylethylamine

压力物质（逃跑欲望）：皮质醇、肾上腺素
Stress substances (desire to escape): Cortisol, Adrenaline

（2）种类
(2) Types

氨基酸类： 谷氨酸 、天冬氨酸、-氨基丁酸、甘氨酸、乙酰胆碱
Amino acids: Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, γ-Aminobutyric acid, Glycine, Acetylcholine

单胺类：多巴胺、去甲肾上腺素、肾上腺素、5-羟色胺
Monoamines: Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Serotonin

神经肽：下丘脑释放激素类、神经垂体激素类、阿片类、垂体肽类、脑肠肽类等
Neuropeptides: Hypothalamic releasing hormones, Neurohypophyseal hormones, Opioids, Pituitary peptides, Brain-gut peptides, etc

其他类：NO、CO、组胺和腺苷、前列腺素等。
Other categories: NO, CO, histamine and adenosine, prostaglandins, etc.

对于我们烟民来说，我们只要知道两个神经递质就行了，一个就是多巴胺，关系到所有上瘾。另一个就是乙酰胆碱，和尼古丁息息相关。
For us smokers, we only need to know about two neurotransmitters: one is dopamine, which is related to all addictions. The other is acetylcholine, which is closely linked to nicotine.

37、神经递质工作原理
37. How Neurotransmitters Work

神经递质怎么工作的呢？它是怎么样产生、传递信息、消失的呢？神经递质工作流程一共是5个环节，形成无限产生的传递闭环。
How do neurotransmitters work? How are they produced, transmit information, and disappear? The workflow of neurotransmitters consists of five steps, forming an endlessly repeating transmission loop.

首先是合成，神经递质都是底物和相应的酶是合成的，比如多巴胺就是酪氨酸，经酪氨酸羟化酶和多巴脱羧化酶合成的。生成后储存神经元囊泡里，第三，当动作电位到达时，Ca2+进入，囊泡释放神经递质，持续低浓度释放和一次性高浓度释放。第四部，释放过以后递质后，就进行调制，减少释放。第五步神经递质通过与受体结合后，传递信息。然后失活，通过重摄取、酶解和弥散在突触间隙消除。比如多巴胺单胺氧化酶分解。最后分解出的成分，再次被神经突触吸收，作为底物进行合成。
First is synthesis. Neurotransmitters are synthesized from substrates and corresponding enzymes. For example, dopamine is synthesized from tyrosine via tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa decarboxylase. After production, they are stored in neuronal vesicles. Third, when an action potential arrives, Ca2+ enters, causing the vesicles to release neurotransmitters, either through sustained low-concentration release or one-time high-concentration release. Fourth, after release, modulation occurs to reduce further release. Fifth, neurotransmitters transmit information by binding to receptors. They are then inactivated through reuptake, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion in the synaptic cleft. For instance, dopamine is broken down by monoamine oxidase. Finally, the decomposed components are reabsorbed by the synaptic terminals to serve as substrates for synthesis again.

38、神经递质产生生活动力
38. Neurotransmitters generate the drive for life.

任何生理活动都是欲望推动的，而欲望则是神经递质释放产生的，所以所有生理活动都是欲望系统作用的结果。“吃喝拉撒睡、工作学习等等，都需要神经递质提供精神动力。
All physiological activities are driven by desires, and desires arise from the release of neurotransmitters. Thus, all physiological activities are the result of the motivational system's function. "Eating, drinking, excretion, sleep, work, study, etc., all require neurotransmitters to provide mental drive."

同样每项活动都在消耗着神经递质，神经递质耗尽就必须补充，而补充的自然方式是睡眠，让大脑休息释放神经递质，补充动力和欲望。所以一天的紧张的学习、工作最终会使人筋疲力尽，不容易控制情绪，很想睡觉。
Similarly, every activity consumes neurotransmitters. When neurotransmitters are depleted, they must be replenished, and the natural way to replenish them is through sleep—allowing the brain to rest and release neurotransmitters, restoring drive and desire. Therefore, a day of intense study or work will eventually leave one exhausted, making it difficult to control emotions and strongly desiring sleep.

39、神经递质减少痛苦
39. Neurotransmitters Reduce Pain

神经递质能产生快乐，也就能减少痛苦，所以几乎所有神经递质都有麻醉减痛的功能。
Neurotransmitters can produce happiness and thus reduce pain, so almost all neurotransmitters have anesthetic and pain-relieving functions.

我们人体的肢体关节每天都在摩擦，如果没有自身分泌内啡肽止痛物质，光是关节摩擦的疼痛就让我们无法自由行动，更不用说一些高强度的工作。可以说人类躯体能自由行动，就是因为有了类吗啡物质。
Our body's joints experience friction every day. Without the secretion of endogenous pain-relieving substances like endorphins, the pain from joint friction alone would prevent us from moving freely, let alone performing high-intensity tasks. It can be said that the human body's ability to move freely is due to morphine-like substances.

受了严重外伤的时候，你当时并不会感到痛楚，因为身体释放大量肾上腺激素，让你赶紧逃避危险，掩盖痛楚。
When you suffer severe trauma, you don't feel pain at the time because your body releases a large amount of adrenaline, allowing you to quickly escape danger and masking the pain.

40、神经递质产生生理行为
40. Neurotransmitters Generate Physiological Behaviors

通过观察核磁共振成像，就能了解大脑哪些组织在运转，哪些部位出了问题不工作了。甚至可以观察当我们表现特殊情绪时，大脑的哪一区域组织在运作。比如当人食欲旺盛的时候，就会发现，下丘脑摄食神经区域特别活跃，分泌大量神经递质。而当进食以后，则发现摄食神经不在活跃，不再分泌神经递质！
By observing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we can understand which brain tissues are functioning and which areas have problems and are not working. We can even observe which regions of the brain are active when we exhibit specific emotions. For example, when a person has a strong appetite, it is found that the hypothalamic feeding neural area is particularly active, secreting a large amount of neurotransmitters. After eating, however, the feeding neurons are no longer active and stop secreting neurotransmitters!

当人缺水的时候，身体检测到体液溶质浓度过大，下丘脑区域活动剧烈，释放大量神经递质，让人产生饮水的欲望；
When a person is dehydrated, the body detects that the solute concentration in bodily fluids is too high, causing intense activity in the hypothalamic region, which releases large amounts of neurotransmitters, creating a desire to drink water.

当人性成熟时候，大脑检测到人体雄性激素含量过多，于是脑垂体促性腺激素分泌，使人产生性欲；老年痴呆症患者脑部在核磁共振成像就会发现，整个大脑一片灰暗，好像都不在工作了，不管是大脑皮层还是主管欲望的原始脑部分，都已经罢工了。
When humans reach sexual maturity, the brain detects excessive levels of androgens in the body, prompting the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotropins, which generate sexual desire. In Alzheimer's patients, MRI scans reveal that the entire brain appears dim and inactive, as if not working at all—whether it's the cerebral cortex or the primitive brain regions responsible for desires, they have all ceased functioning.

41、人类要有理性
41. Humans Must Have Rationality

生物要生存，必须有欲望。但是如果只有欲望，那只能满足自己利益的同时，不可避免的会损害同类的利益。就会相互之间产生竞争和斗争，导致相互间的杀戮，最终又使得的种群的衰败。
For survival, living beings must have desires. However, if they only have desires, while fulfilling their own interests, they will inevitably harm the interests of their peers. This leads to competition and conflict among them, resulting in mutual killing and ultimately the decline of the population.

所以这就要求生物体在满足自我欲望的同时，不能伤害其他群体成员的利益。这样才能形成利益共同体，共同对抗外在风险。于是有些弱小物种就进化出了大脑皮层，于是产生了伦理道德、制度规则和法律法规。让其理性思考，综合考虑各种风险，以取得自我收益最大化，进而集体利益最大，战胜其他物种，在优胜劣汰中取得优势地位。
Therefore, this requires organisms to satisfy their own desires without harming the interests of other group members. Only in this way can a community of shared interests be formed to collectively resist external risks. As a result, some weaker species evolved the cerebral cortex, giving rise to ethics, institutional rules, and laws and regulations. This enables rational thinking and comprehensive consideration of various risks to maximize individual gains, thereby maximizing collective interests, overcoming other species, and gaining a dominant position in the survival of the fittest.

42理性从何而来
Where does rationality come from?

原始脑释放神经递质引发欲望，是生存总能量开关。经过长时间的进化，大脑形成前额皮质层，这大脑皮层是理性的来源。
The primitive brain releases neurotransmitters to trigger desires, which serve as the master switch for survival energy. Over long periods of evolution, the brain developed the prefrontal cortex, which is the source of rationality.

大脑皮质层不同区域有着不同功能，1、控制躯体的运动和感觉2、调节内脏器官功能：3、控制五官感觉：4、调节体温和情绪
Different regions of the cerebral cortex have distinct functions: 1. Control body movement and sensation; 2. Regulate the functions of internal organs; 3. Control the five senses; 4. Regulate body temperature and emotions.

前额叶皮层在个体发育成熟的后期才形成完整的形态，也就是说，直到20岁出头或20至30岁才能完全发育完成，这就是为什么儿童和青少年对他们生活中的艰难决定没有做好充分的准备，以及为什么他们更倾向于冒险。
The prefrontal cortex does not fully develop its complete form until the later stages of individual maturation, meaning it isn't fully developed until one's early 20s or between 20 to 30 years of age. This is why children and adolescents are not fully prepared for difficult decisions in their lives and why they are more inclined to take risks.

43、上瘾就是欲望失控
43. Addiction is the loss of control over desires.

明白了“欲望是神经递质作用的结果”。但是对于为什么有些人的欲望失控，产生上瘾行为，还是不太清楚。
I understand that "desire is the result of neurotransmitter effects," but I'm still unclear about why some people lose control over their desires, leading to addictive behaviors.

为什么平常理性的人，但是瘾一上来，就变得非常不理性了呢？赌鬼见到赌场走不动，网瘾患者整天呆在网吧里，毒瘾犯了甚至可以去杀人！是什么东西把一个正常的人变成一个恶魔，从一个理性的人变成失去控制的人呢？我们现在几乎每个人都是手机重度上瘾者。
Why do normally rational people become highly irrational when addiction strikes? Gamblers can't resist casinos, internet addicts spend all day in internet cafes, and drug addicts might even commit murder when desperate! What transforms a normal person into a demon, turning someone rational into someone out of control? Nowadays, almost everyone is a severe smartphone addict.

上瘾是大脑产生病变，分泌过多神经递质，突破大脑皮层理性的控制。
Addiction is a pathological change in the brain that causes excessive secretion of neurotransmitters, breaking through the rational control of the cerebral cortex.

44、上瘾的不是道德败坏，而是一种脑部疾病
44. Addiction is not a moral failing, but a brain disease.

人们总是认为上瘾的人是道德败坏，沉迷享乐，控制力低下，其实这种说法是错误的。
People often assume that addicts are morally corrupt, indulging in pleasure with weak self-control, but this notion is incorrect.

心理学定义上瘾为：“明知后果，频繁去做，无法停止的心理现象和行为表现”
Psychology defines addiction as: "a psychological phenomenon and behavioral manifestation where one frequently engages in an activity despite knowing the consequences and cannot stop."

美国国立药物滥用研究所对上瘾的定义：“一种慢性的、复发性的脑部疾病，它的特征是强迫性的寻求和使用药物，不管其可能造成的有害后果。
The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as: "a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences."

所以上瘾不是道德败坏，也不仅仅是心理疾病，其实还是一种器质性的脑部疾病。
Therefore, addiction is not moral corruption, nor merely a psychological illness—it is actually an organic brain disorder.

45、神经递质失控导致上瘾
45. Neurotransmitter Dysregulation Leads to Addiction

那么欲望是如何失控的，大脑又怎么产生器质性病变让欲望失控呢？其实还是神经递质的原因。神经递质因为外在干预过量释放，导致欲望泛滥，生理兴奋，极度快感，同时破坏原有的神经递质系统平衡。没有外在干预下，神经元不再自我释放神经递质，然后就产生痛苦、烦躁等戒断反应，这时只有不停使用外在上瘾物质，进一步获得快感和大脑伤害，最终陷入上瘾陷阱，走向快速死亡。
So how does desire spiral out of control, and how does the brain develop organic lesions that cause this loss of control? The root cause lies in neurotransmitters. External interventions trigger excessive neurotransmitter release, leading to overwhelming cravings, physiological arousal, and extreme euphoria—while disrupting the original balance of the neurotransmitter system. Without external stimuli, neurons cease self-releasing neurotransmitters, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like pain and agitation. This creates a cycle where continuous use of addictive substances is required to regain pleasure, further damaging the brain and ultimately trapping individuals in addiction's downward spiral toward rapid deterioration.

46、上瘾的三种途径
46. Three Pathways to Addiction

神经递质被外在干预有三种方式可以形成上瘾，第一刺激大脑释放过量神经递质（比如赌博、网游等），第二替代原生神经递质，比如海洛因毒品等海洛因进入体内后，这种外来的类吗啡肽物质，势必会减少并抑制自身吗啡肽的分泌，直到让其失效完全停止分泌，直到最后吸食者就只能依靠海洛因这种外来的类吗啡肽物质来维持人体的生理活动。所以，一旦停止了吸食这种外来吗啡肽物质，人的生理机能就会紊乱，浑身疼痛难忍，犹如万蚁噬骨，这就是毒瘾发作的原理。
There are three ways in which neurotransmitters can be externally manipulated to form addiction. First, by stimulating the brain to release excessive neurotransmitters (such as through gambling, online gaming, etc.). Second, by replacing natural neurotransmitters, such as with heroin and other drugs. Once heroin enters the body, this exogenous morphine-like substance inevitably reduces and inhibits the secretion of the body's own endorphins, eventually rendering them completely inactive and ceasing their production. As a result, the user becomes dependent on heroin to maintain normal physiological functions. When the intake of this exogenous morphine-like substance is stopped, the body's physiological functions become disrupted, leading to unbearable pain throughout the body, as if being bitten by thousands of ants—this is the principle behind drug withdrawal symptoms.

第三阻止神经递质失活，比如可卡因，使得多巴胺转运体失去功能，多巴胺长期留在神经突触间隙。
Third, by preventing the deactivation of neurotransmitters, such as with cocaine, which disables dopamine transporters, causing dopamine to remain in the synaptic cleft for extended periods.

46、上瘾的六大特征：非常爽
46. Six Characteristics of Addiction: Extremely Pleasurable

所有上瘾都是神经递质过多的结果，它产生强烈欲望和刺激。而为了让有机体执行欲望，在实施欲望的时候又会让你充满快乐和愉悦。生理表现就是心跳加速、体温升高、脸色红润。 程度比较弱的愉悦，就像运动过后舒畅感，浑身通畅舒服。比较强烈的愉悦感，犹如性高潮，让人留恋回味。更加强烈的，犹如吸毒产生快感，比性高潮还要强烈10倍。
All addictions are the result of excessive neurotransmitters, which generate intense desires and stimulation. To compel the organism to fulfill these desires, the act of carrying them out fills one with happiness and pleasure. Physiological manifestations include accelerated heartbeat, elevated body temperature, and flushed complexion. Milder forms of pleasure feel like the refreshing sensation after exercise—a sense of overall comfort and ease. Stronger pleasure resembles sexual climax, leaving one lingering in its afterglow. Even more intense is the euphoria induced by drug use, which can be ten times more powerful than sexual climax.

也正是因为这种强烈的快乐，深深刻在大脑的记忆中，会反过来又促使人采取上瘾的行为。逃避痛苦、追求快乐是人的天性，所以持续陷入上瘾行为中。
It is precisely because of this intense pleasure, deeply etched into the brain's memory, that it in turn drives individuals to engage in addictive behaviors. Avoiding pain and seeking pleasure are human instincts, which is why people continuously fall into patterns of addiction.

47上瘾的六大特征：想更爽
The six major characteristics of addiction: craving greater pleasure

神经递质释放直接引起了欲望，欲望让您重复的去做，再加上做的时候非常爽，于是上瘾行为一直持续，不停的想更爽。一旦停止又浑身难受，就更加想实施上瘾行为了。严重的像毒瘾，经常会吸食过量致死，就和是实验中的小老鼠一样。
The release of neurotransmitters directly triggers desires, which compel you to repeat certain actions. Coupled with the intense pleasure experienced during these actions, addictive behaviors persist endlessly, driven by the constant pursuit of greater highs. Once stopped, the discomfort felt throughout the body only intensifies the urge to resume the addictive behavior. In severe cases, like drug addiction, overdosing often leads to death—just like the lab rats in experiments.

48、上瘾的六大特征：可替代
48. Six characteristics of addiction: Replaceable

正是因为上瘾是神经递质引起的，理论上说，只要新行为能够刺激大脑释放同类型的神经递质，是可以替代原来的上瘾行为的。事实也是如此，上瘾物质和行为通常可以被其他上瘾物质替代，替代可分为渠道替代，同类替代和异类替代。
Precisely because addiction is caused by neurotransmitters, theoretically, as long as a new behavior can stimulate the brain to release the same type of neurotransmitters, it can replace the original addictive behavior. This is indeed the case—addictive substances and behaviors can usually be substituted by other addictive substances. Substitution can be categorized into channel substitution, same-type substitution, and different-type substitution.

49、上瘾的六大特征：抗生理
49. Six characteristics of addiction: Physiological resistance

我们知道生理活动的动力是神经递质，活动都消耗着神经递质，神经递质消耗到没有了，则通过睡眠来补充，睡醒以后又重新达到平衡的状态，精神奕奕了。
We know that the driving force behind physiological activities is neurotransmitters, and all activities consume neurotransmitters. When neurotransmitters are depleted, they are replenished through sleep. Upon waking, a balanced state is restored, leaving one refreshed and energetic.

而上瘾行为都释放大量的神经递质，第一影响了其他神经递质的释放，从而影响其他生理活动的欲望。第二，神经递质的大量释放，导致不需要睡眠自然补充了，就影响了睡眠的欲望。
Addictive behaviors release large amounts of neurotransmitters, which first affect the release of other neurotransmitters, thereby influencing desires for other physiological activities. Second, the massive release of neurotransmitters reduces the need for natural replenishment through sleep, thus diminishing the desire to sleep.

比如，吸毒的时候可以不吃、不喝、不睡，甚至排泄的欲望、性欲都没有了。赌博的时候也是一样，一个一个都像大神一样做着，没了食欲、性欲和睡意。
For example, when taking drugs, one may not eat, drink, or sleep, and even lose the urge to excrete or engage in sexual activity. The same goes for gambling—people sit there like gods, devoid of appetite, sexual desire, or sleepiness.

网络游戏更是如此，在网吧一坐就是一天，不想吃也不想睡，甚至排泄的感觉都没有。曾经有报道称，上网打游戏憋着尿，结果把膀胱憋炸了。
Online gaming is even more extreme. People can sit in internet cafes all day without wanting to eat or sleep, sometimes even losing the sensation to excrete. There have been reports of gamers holding in their urine while playing, resulting in a ruptured bladder.

50、上瘾的六大特征：耐药性
50. Six characteristics of addiction: Drug tolerance

所谓耐药性，就是指身体对上瘾行为产生抗体，只有使用越来越多的上瘾物质才能达到原来爽的状态。就像人对抗生素的耐药性一样，原来用土霉素就能杀掉的病毒，现在用头孢都不行了，要用10000单位的头孢。
Drug resistance refers to the body developing antibodies to addictive behaviors, requiring increasingly larger amounts of the addictive substance to achieve the original pleasurable state. Just like antibiotic resistance in humans, where viruses that could once be killed with terramycin now require 10,000 units of cephalosporin to be effective.

上瘾也是一样，所有的上瘾行为都是越来越严重。比如毒瘾的量是越来越大，原来偷偷抽一点，现在一次几克，最后变成注射。赌瘾也是，原来打几块钱的小麻将，现在一场输赢上万不算什么，经过大场子再让你打几块钱的小麻将，你是一点兴趣都没有。
The same goes for addiction—all addictive behaviors tend to escalate over time. For instance, drug addiction leads to increasing doses; what started as secretly taking small amounts eventually progresses to several grams per use, and finally to injections. Gambling addiction follows a similar pattern—starting with small-stakes mahjong games of a few dollars, then escalating to tens of thousands won or lost in a single session. After experiencing high-stakes games, returning to small-stakes mahjong becomes utterly unappealing.

51、上瘾的六大特征：戒断难
51. The six major characteristics of addiction: Difficulty in quitting

随着上瘾行为持续的时间越长，上瘾程度越来越大，大脑组织不可恢复性的伤害越来越严重，戒掉上瘾就更难了。停止上瘾行为后，身体会出现种种生理性的不适感，浑身瘙痒、反胃、呕吐、抑郁等等。
The longer the addictive behavior continues, the greater the degree of addiction becomes, and the more severe the irreversible damage to brain tissue, making it even harder to quit. After stopping the addictive behavior, the body experiences various physiological discomforts, such as itching all over, nausea, vomiting, depression, and so on.

比如毒瘾，毒瘾因为大脑组织严重伤害了，其恢复根本不可能了，所以基本上毒瘾是戒不掉的，最多也就是替代疗法用美沙酮替代。一旦停止吸毒，那是一万只蚂蚁在身上爬啊（听说而已，本人不吸毒），真是个生不如死。
For example, drug addiction causes severe damage to brain tissue, making recovery virtually impossible. Therefore, drug addiction is essentially incurable, with the best option being replacement therapy using methadone. Once drug use stops, it feels like ten thousand ants crawling all over the body (so I've heard, I don't do drugs myself)—it's truly a living hell.

赌瘾也是一样，赌光家产的人也戒不掉赌瘾，旧社会卖老婆孩子去赌，现在社会只要弄点钱就去赌。强制戒赌的话，也是大脑不释放神经递质，没有做事情的欲望。每天呆呆坐在家里，什么事都不相干，感觉活着没有任何意义。
Gambling addiction is no different. Those who have gambled away their family fortunes still can't quit. In the past, people would sell their wives and children to gamble; nowadays, they gamble as soon as they get their hands on any money. Forced gambling cessation also means the brain stops releasing neurotransmitters, leaving individuals with no desire to do anything. They sit around the house all day, uninterested in anything, feeling as though life has no meaning.

52、上瘾程度大小如何判断？
52. How to determine the severity of addiction?

上瘾是种脑疾病和器质性损伤，那上瘾程度如何判断，损伤大小如何，能不能恢复呢？一半影响到睡眠等生理活动时，说明上瘾程度已经比较严重了。就像疼痛一样，如果影响到睡眠后，疼痛就比较严重了，就要用药品或麻醉品消除疼痛了，而麻醉品不就是最厉害的瘾品吗？
Addiction is a brain disease and organic damage, but how can we assess the degree of addiction, the extent of the damage, and whether recovery is possible? When it begins to affect physiological activities like sleep, it indicates a relatively severe level of addiction. Similar to pain, if it disrupts sleep, the pain is considered severe and may require medication or anesthetics to alleviate it—ironically, aren’t anesthetics among the most potent addictive substances?

所以当你上瘾行为影响到你睡眠，玩起来可以通宵不睡觉。或者不玩耍就毫无睡意的时候，就说明上瘾程度很深了，大脑病症比较严重了，恢复正常可能很困难。
Therefore, when your addictive behavior starts affecting your sleep—such as staying up all night engaging in the activity or being unable to sleep without it—it signifies a deep level of addiction and serious brain dysfunction, making recovery potentially very difficult.

53、杨永信电击能戒掉网瘾吗？
53. Can Yang Yongxin's electroshock therapy cure internet addiction?

曾经有段时间，山东精神病医院杨永信扬言电击疗法可以治疗网瘾。那么电极能治疗网瘾吗？我们已经知道了网瘾和所有其他上瘾一样，是大脑器质性病变，上网时释放过多多巴胺，非常兴奋。不上网时大脑就不释放多巴胺，非常焦虑痛苦。
There was a time when Yang Yongxin from Shandong Psychiatric Hospital claimed that electroshock therapy could cure internet addiction. So can electrodes treat internet addiction? We already know that internet addiction, like all other addictions, is an organic brain disorder where excessive dopamine is released during internet use, causing extreme excitement. When not online, the brain stops releasing dopamine, leading to intense anxiety and distress.

所以网瘾必须要治疗，但是需要科学手段，让大脑慢慢自愈。哪怕不能自愈，就采取替代的方法取代网瘾，比如体育运动等等。
Therefore, internet addiction must be treated, but it requires scientific methods to allow the brain to gradually heal itself. Even if self-healing isn't possible, alternative methods should be adopted to replace internet addiction, such as sports and other activities.

但是电击只是对大脑造成普遍性的伤害，它不仅不能让大脑自愈，而且更严重的伤害，让孩子没有的欲望，没有了感情，所以也就没了网瘾。这种结果比网瘾结果更可怕。只会加重生理和心理疾病的症状。
However, electroshock only causes widespread damage to the brain. It not only fails to help the brain heal but also inflicts more severe harm, stripping children of their desires and emotions, thereby eliminating their internet addiction. This outcome is even more terrifying than internet addiction itself, as it only worsens the symptoms of both physiological and psychological illnesses.

54、烟草不产生生理上的愉悦感：
54. Tobacco does not produce physiological pleasure:

抽烟的时候你会感觉到非常的兴奋，心跳加快，然后出汗，瞳孔放大，甚至出现幻觉吗？没有，更多的是抽烟的时候反而冷静下来，而不像其他上瘾一样，出现种种的生理的症状，甚至会出现幻觉。
Do you feel extremely excited when smoking, with a racing heartbeat, sweating, dilated pupils, or even hallucinations? No, more often smoking actually calms you down, unlike other addictions that come with various physiological symptoms and even hallucinations.

55、抽烟也不能产生持续食用欲望。经常抽一支再也不想抽第二支了，更有甚者，一根烟抽一半就扔掉了。这个其它上瘾是不同的，其它上瘾都有强烈的持续使用，过度使用的欲望。比如喝酒，吸毒，网游，都是欲罢不能，最后身体实在承受不住才罢手。
55. Smoking also doesn't create a persistent desire to consume. Often after smoking one cigarette, you don't want another, and some even throw away half-smoked cigarettes. This is different from other addictions, which involve strong urges for continuous and excessive use, such as drinking, drug use, or online gaming—where people can't stop until their bodies can't take it anymore.

哪怕正常的欲望，其实当我们在实施的时候，都会超出自己的身体极限，比如口渴时候，往往喝的就比你需要的量多得多。走出沙漠的人，一定要给他热水喝，为什么？因为他边吹边喝的时候，他就喝的慢喝的少，而如果是温水或者凉水的话，口渴的人就持续不断，喝的超出自己的身体极限，撑出病来。
Even with normal desires, when we act on them, we often exceed our body's limits. For example, when thirsty, we tend to drink far more than we actually need. People rescued from deserts must be given hot water to drink—why? Because sipping while blowing on it slows down consumption, whereas with warm or cold water, thirsty individuals will keep drinking beyond their body's capacity, potentially making themselves sick.

56、不能被尼古丁替代。我们之前讲的烟瘾八大怪中，其实有几条，就是讲这一点。
56. Cannot be replaced by nicotine. Among the eight peculiarities of smoking addiction we previously discussed, several actually address this point.

我们说，所有的上瘾物质都一样，只要含有同样的成份，不管是什么渠道，食用、吸食还是注射，只要能吸取同样的量，都能达到上瘾状态，都能相互替代。但是烟草是非常奇怪的，哪怕是相同的尼古丁都不能相同的吸食渠道，都不能替代烟草。抽烟的人很少用电子烟，尼古丁贴片，甚至抽烟的人都不会吸食雪茄，甚至不同品牌的香烟。
We say that all addictive substances are the same—as long as they contain the same components, regardless of the method of consumption, whether ingested, inhaled, or injected, as long as the same amount is absorbed, they can lead to addiction and can substitute for one another. However, tobacco is very peculiar. Even with the same nicotine, different methods of consumption cannot replace tobacco. Smokers rarely use e-cigarettes or nicotine patches, and many don’t even switch to cigars or different brands of cigarettes.

57、不能替代生理欲望。我们说所有的上瘾都是因为神经递质释放产生了欲望，产生了快感，从而能够替代我们正常的生理的欲望，比如食欲，性欲，睡眠欲望，在你实施上瘾行为的时候，根本不会感到饥饿，不会口渴喝想睡觉。而抽烟什么都不影响，饿了想吃饭，困了就想睡。
57. It cannot replace physiological desires. We say that all addictions arise because the release of neurotransmitters creates cravings and pleasure, thereby substituting for our normal physiological desires, such as hunger, sexual desire, or the need for sleep. When engaging in addictive behavior, you don’t feel hungry, thirsty, or sleepy. But smoking doesn’t affect any of these—you still feel hungry when you need to eat and sleepy when you need to rest.

58、上瘾程度长期不变。我们都知道，一般的一个烟民，他每天的烟量长时间都不会变，一天一包或者一天十几支，长期以来不会变。唯一改变的情况，就是如果戒烟失败了，他的烟瘾会增大。
58. The degree of addiction remains constant over time. We all know that, generally, a smoker’s daily cigarette consumption stays the same for long periods—a pack a day or a dozen cigarettes a day, with little change. The only time it changes is if they fail to quit, in which case their addiction may worsen.

其它上瘾则不同，不久以后程度就会变大，比如网游一样。今天今天四个小时能过过瘾，明天六个小时，甚至以后增加到了一天24小时。包括酒瘾、毒瘾也是，也是越来越大的，但是烟瘾，长期不变，
Other addictions are different—their intensity increases over time, like online gaming. Today, four hours might satisfy the craving, but tomorrow it might take six, and eventually, it could escalate to 24 hours a day. The same goes for alcohol or drug addiction—they grow stronger over time. But nicotine addiction remains constant in the long term.

59、戒断反应也不是很大。很多人说戒烟就戒烟了，也没有什么多大反应，也不会像戒毒、戒网游、戒酒一样，会浑身狂躁，生不如死。那有的人说，为什么我感觉这个戒烟的时候反应大了，也很暴躁，也很睡不着觉等等，其实，你这种反应基本上是心理上反应。
59. The withdrawal symptoms aren't very severe either. Many people quit smoking cold turkey without much reaction, and it's not like quitting drugs, online gaming, or alcohol where you might feel extremely agitated and as if life isn't worth living. Some might ask, why do I feel such strong reactions when quitting smoking, like irritability and insomnia? In reality, these reactions are mostly psychological.

其实香烟的戒断反应很小，因为我们每天都在睡觉，每天都是睡八个小时，八小时后，你身体内尼古丁几乎就代谢完了，这时候出现了戒断反应，根本不会影响到你的睡眠，都不能把你惊醒。要知道我们睡眠是很敏感的，蚊子叮咬就能把你惊醒，但是烟草戒断反应不如蚊虫叮咬。
In fact, the withdrawal symptoms from cigarettes are quite mild because we sleep every day, typically for eight hours. After eight hours, the nicotine in your body is almost completely metabolized, and any withdrawal symptoms that appear at this point won't affect your sleep or even wake you up. Consider how sensitive our sleep is—even a mosquito bite can wake us up—but tobacco withdrawal symptoms are less disruptive than a mosquito bite.

60、乙酰胆碱是个什么东东
60. What exactly is acetylcholine?

那么烟瘾怎么产生的，尼古丁到底有什么作用。我们有必要讲讲什么叫乙酰胆碱，乙酰胆碱是一种重要的神经递质，也是我们人类发现的第一个神经递质。
So how does nicotine addiction develop, and what exactly does nicotine do? It's necessary to explain what acetylcholine is. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter and the first neurotransmitter ever discovered in humans.

它维持着突触间的神经功能的传递作用。可以是从神经传递到下一个神经，也可以从上一个神经传递到下一个肌肉。所以在中枢神经系统维持着神经到神经之间的传导，和人的认知功能有关系。
It maintains the transmission of neural functions between synapses. This transmission can occur from one neuron to another or from a neuron to a muscle. Thus, in the central nervous system, it sustains the conduction between neurons and is associated with human cognitive functions.

如果在中枢神经系统乙酰胆碱缺乏，会导致患者出现记忆力减退、注意力不集中、反应迟钝、语言功能下降、视空间感觉下降，这些认知功能障碍的表现。
If there is a deficiency of acetylcholine in the central nervous system, it can lead to symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in patients, such as memory decline, difficulty concentrating, sluggish reactions, reduced language function, and impaired visuospatial perception.

乙酰在外周神经，是维持着神经和肌肉之间传导的作用，保证人的神经冲动能传递给肌肉，而产生肌肉的收缩，。如果缺乏乙酰胆碱，会导致神经肌肉之间的传导障碍，造成重症肌无力的表现
In the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine plays a role in maintaining the conduction between nerves and muscles, ensuring that nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles, resulting in muscle contraction. A lack of acetylcholine can lead to impaired neuromuscular transmission, causing symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

A银环蛇毒与乙酰胆碱受体结合，突触后膜不能兴奋，就会肌肉松弛。有机磷农药使得乙酰胆碱酯酶失活，乙酰胆碱在间隙留存过多，就会肌肉紧张。
A. The venom of the banded krait binds to acetylcholine receptors, preventing the postsynaptic membrane from being excited, leading to muscle relaxation. Organophosphate pesticides deactivate acetylcholinesterase, causing excessive accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, which results in muscle tension.