The Function and Location of the Pineal Gland

The pineal gland is a small, pinecone-shaped gland of the endocrine system. A structure of the diencephalon of the brain, the pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin. Melatonin influences sexual development and sleep-wake cycles. The pineal gland is composed of cells called pinealocytes and cells of the nervous system called glial cells. The pineal gland connects the endocrine system with the nervous system in that it converts nerve signals from the sympathetic system of the peripheral nervous system into hormone signals. Over time, calcium deposits build-up in the pineal and its accumulation can lead to calcification in the elderly. Function The pineal gland is involved in several functions of the body including: Secretion of the hormone melatoninRegulation of endocrine functionsConversion of nervous system signals to endocrine signalsCauses sleepinessInfluences sexual developmentInfluences immune system functionAntioxidant activity Location Directionally the pineal gland is situated between the cerebral hemispheres and attached to the third ventricle. It is located in the center of the brain. Pineal Gland and Melatonin Melatonin is produced within the pineal gland and synthesized from the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is secreted into the cerbrospinal fluid of the third ventricle and is directed from there into the blood. Upon entering the bloodstream, melatonin can be circulated throughout the body. Melatonin is also produced by other body cells and organs including retinal cells, white blood cells, gonads, and skin. Melatonin production is vital to the regulation of sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm) and its production is determined by light and dark detection. The retina sends signals about light and dark detection to an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. These signals are eventually relayed to the pineal gland. The more light detected, the less melatonin produced and released into the blood. Melatonin levels are at their highest during the night and this promotes changes in the body that help us to sleep. Low levels of melatonin during daylight hours help us to stay awake. Melatonin has been used in the treatment of sleep-related disorders including jet lag and shift-work sleep disorder. In both of these cases, a persons circadian rhythm is disrupted either due to travel across multiple time zones or due to working night shifts or rotating shifts. Melatonin has also been used in the treatment of insomnia and depressive disorder. Melatonin influences the development of reproductive system structures as well. It inhibits the release of certain reproductive hormones from the pituitary gland that affect male and female reproductive organs. These pituitary hormones, known as gonadotropins, stimulate gonads to release sex hormones. Melatonin, therefore, regulates sexual development. In animals, melatonin plays a role in regulating mating seasons. Pineal Gland Dysfunction Should the pineal gland begin to function abnormally, a number of problems may result. If the pineal gland is not able to produce sufficient amounts of melatonin, a person could experience insomnia, anxiety, low thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism), menopause symptoms, or intestinal hyperactivity. If the pineal gland produces too much melatonin, a person could experience low blood pressure, abnormal function of the adrenal and thyroid glands, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a depressive disorder that some individuals experience during the winter months when sunlight is minimal. Sources Emerson, Charles H. â€Å"Pineal Gland.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, www.britannica.com/science/pineal-gland.Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. â€Å"Melatonin.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, www.britannica.com/science/melatonin.

The Center Of Entertainment At Hotel - 1109 Words

The center of entertainment. At Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, you’ll experience the city’s thriving creativity, urban vibe and unique multiculturalism both inside and out. One of four towers central to downtown’s new metropolis development, our city center hotel offers convenient access to a variety of nearby entertaining, dining and shopping options, including L.A. Live, the Staples Center, the L.A. Convention Center and the Jewelry District. Our lobby’s touchscreen neighborhood guide makes discovering local hot spots and upcoming events a breeze during your California vacation. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find floral accents that recall La Fiesta de las Flores — an event that has showcased the city’s international melting pot†¦show more content†¦Soon, the city’s energy and beautiful landscape drew filmmakers from across the country, creating a booming industry that still thrives downtown. Each year, our neighborhood hosts an assortment of award shows, including the Grammys, Emmys, American Music Awards and the ESPY Awards. For a cultural, global and creative experience, there’s no place quite like downtown Los Angeles. Staples Center To witness the very best in Los Angeles entertainment, visit the Staples Center during your stay. Some of the most incredible, high profile performances have occurred within the legendary venue. Each year, approximately 4 million people visit for the nearly 250 events held, including the Grammy Awards. From the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, to NHL’s Kings and the WNBA’s Sparks, the Staples Center has also established itself as the sports center of the world. Grammy Museum Explore and celebrate the history and creativity of American music and the award winners at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. During your tour, you can see antiquities from historic performances, engage in interactive exhibits and attend special programming featuring artists who have left their musical legacy on the cultural scene. Jewelry District Gaze at what makes Los Angeles sparkle and shine in the Jewelry District, the largest in the United States. With thousands of vendors, the area offers designer pieces, precious stones, and gold and silver accessories to suit any style.Show MoreRelatedRoyal Resort and Casino Case620 Words   |  3 Pagesdivisions where the combined result is better than the sum of the individual performances. In fact we could say that Entertainment and Hotel give support to the main income generator that is Gambling. As the beginning of chapter 4 of the book says Team Production is the key reason that firms exist. 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SITUATION ANALYSIS EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT MGM Mirage’s mission statement that is posted on their website is â€Å"Our mission is to deliver our winning combination of quality entertainment, luxurious facilities and exceptional customer serviceRead MoreQuestions On Downtown Los Angeles1158 Words   |  5 PagesTHINGS TO DO http://hotelindigo-la.com.s94149.gridserver.com/things-to-do/ Title tag: Downtown L.A. Things To Do | Hotel Indigo Downtown Los Angeles Meta description: Los Angeles is a city for every type of dreamer. Whether you are on a family vacation or romantic retreat, check out our pro-tip list to get you started. Explore our neighborhood. With an enduring history of entertainment and a unique melting pot of cultures, downtown Los Angeles has become an international hub for artists, musiciansRead MoreBenefits Of Gambling And Nevada1674 Words   |  7 PagesGambling has been a form of entertainment since ancient history. Games of skill and chance using an early form of playing cards can be dated as early as 2300 B.C. and for thousands of years has evolved to become one of the most lucrative forms of business. In the year 1931 a bill was introduced to legalize gambling and Nevada s first casino resort, the Meadows opened. By December 1946 brought a new form of casino gaming with the Flamingo Hotel as the first modern casino in Las Vegas offering, luxuriousRead MoreMonica Vega. May 1, 2017. Management 365. Tues/Thurs. 1Pm.1285 Words   |  6 PagesHospitality and Entertainment Company tracing all the way back to 1969. Its original name was the Grand Name Co. in 1986 and later changed to the MGM Grand Inc. It was said th at Kirk Kerkorian was the man behind the creation of the resorts, when he created the MGM Grand Hotel in 1973. It wasn’t until 1993, when construction of the MGM Grand Las Vegas opened in December costing $1 billion dollars. 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Anorexia Nervosa Essay Introduction Example For Students

Anorexia Nervosa Essay Introduction Eating disorders are a cause for serious concern from both a psychological and anutritional point of view. They are often a complex expression of underlyingproblems with identity and self concept. These disorders often stem fromtraumatic experiences and are influenced by society`s attitudes toward beautyand worth (Eating Disorder Resource Center, 1997). Biological factors, familyissues, and psychological make-up may be what people who develop eatingdisorders are responding to. Anyone can be affected by eating disorders,regardless of their socioeconomic background (Eating Disorder Resource Center,1997). Anorexia nervosa is one such disorder characterized by extreme weightloss. It is the result of self imposed and severe restrictions of food and fluidintake, a distorted body image, an intense fear of becoming fat, and a poor selfesteem. Besides dieting to extremes, anorexics often over exercise to loseweight. Anorexics themselves are often the last to realize how undernourishedand unde rweight they are. Even after reaching a weight that is dangerously low,they feel good initially, about losing the weight. No matter how much is lost,anorexics continue to feel fat and desire to lose more weight. It is this denialthat makes it so hard to convince anorexics to seek help (Eating DisorderResource Center, 1997). This paper`s focus is to look in more detail at thepsychological and societal factors contributing to anorexia nervosa, as well asthe nutritional and physiological complications that arise for people on suchseverely restrictive diets. Psychological and Societal Contributions AnorexiaNervosa was first described by an English physician by the name of RichardMorton in 1689. Until 1914, it was considered a disease that arose from a morbidmental state and a disturbed nerve force. That year, Dr. Simmonds, apathologist, found one woman=s refusal to eat to be the direct result of ananterior pituitary lesion. This shifted the focus away from the emotionalaspects of the di sorder to more physiological and endocrinological terms. It wasnot until 1938 that anorexia nervosa was once again considered a largelyemotional disorder (Blackman, 1996). In fact, one of the criteria for thediagnosis of anorexia nervosa according to the manual of The American MedicalAssociation (DSM IV) is an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, eventhough underweight. Another clearly psychological requirement for diagnosis, isa disturbance in the way in which one=s body weight or shape is experienced,undue influence of body weight or shape on self evaluation, or denial of theseriousness of the current low body weight (Blackman, 1996). Anorexia nervosamay be a primary disorder in which other psychiatric conditions are secondary,such as depression. It may also be secondary itself to a disorder such asschizophrenia or co-morbid with obsessive compulsive disorder. As well, it canalso be a component of a personality disorder (Blackman, 1996; Carlat, 1997). The anorexic sufferer is typically female. Ninety-percent of all cases occuramong adolescent girls or young women but the number of males with the disorderis on the rise (Blackman, 1996; Carlat, 1997; Kinzl, 1997). It is estimated that1% of girls ages 12-18 meet the criteria for full blown anorexia and as many as5-10% have milder forms of such eating disorders if the criteria is applied lessstringently (Blackman, 1996). Anorexics are usually high achieving youngsterswho may be heavily involved in sports (e.g. gymnastics, swimming, cheer leading,ballet, etc.). These people are often competitive, perfectionistic, withobsessive compulsive personality features. Fears of growing up or discomforttoward sexuality may also be precipitating factors (Blackman, 1996). Studieshave shown that 75% of American Women are dissatisfied with their appearance andas many as 50% are on a diet at any one time. Even more alarming is that 90% ofhigh school junior and senior women regularly diet, even though only between10%-15% are over the weight recommended by the standard height-weight charts(Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, 1996). The majority of these womendo not develop eating disorders; however, 1% of teenage girls and 5% ofcollege-age women do become anorexic or bulimic (Council on Size and WeightDiscrimination, 1996). Perhaps these figures represent the women who are lessable to cope with their bodily dissatisfaction and thus are the ones who takedieting to the extreme. The disordered eating behavior usually starts out with apattern of dieting or particular food choices, such as avoiding certain foodswhich are seen as fattening. As the disorder progresses, anorexics becomeresourceful in hiding their troublesome behavior and may start to avoid eatingwith their families. They may also attempt further weight loss by compulsiveexercising. The condition can become well advanced before parents even notice,as anorexics may wear many layers of clothes to conceal their thinnes s. Oftenthe diagnosis is not made until the person is brought to a clinic for problemssuch as physical weakness, lack of energy, excessive sleepiness, and recent poorperformance in school (Blackman, 1996). Actually, certain familial relationshipsseem to be more prevalent among anorexic sufferers. Studies have shown manyanorexic families are enmeshed, overprotective, conflict avoidant, and asco-opting the anorexic in destructive alliances with one parent or another. Theparents themselves tend to be more affectionate and neglectful than parents ofnon anorexic children. The father in particular is often controlling (Blackman,1996). Physical and/or sexual abuse are also not uncommon features in familieswith anorexics (Carlet, 1996; Kinzyl, 1997). Even though these trends are trendsoften seen, there are many anorexic families that do not fit this profile. Oneof the other major contributors to the disorder is society and its values. Anorexics are sensitive to society=s approval of what is an acceptable weight orbody size (Blackman, 1996). Self worth is equated with a desirable slimappearance. This creates a vulnerability to eating disorders for people who areespecially concerned with meeting this ideal. Western culture in particular hasan obsession with looks. Slim, attractive people are linked to beauty, success,and happiness. Our society teaches us to value such superficial standards andbombards us with images of the idealized female body through mediums such asmagazines, films, and television (Blackman, 1996). One only has to watchtelevision or read the latest magazines and take note of just how few overweightor average looking people there are appearing in advertisements to verify thisfact. Anorexia nervosa in fact predominates in industrialized developedcountries; yet is extremely rare in less industrialized and non westerncountries (Blackman, 1996). As well, immigrants who have migrated to awesternized cou ntry have been found to become more prone to develop eatingdisorders (Blackman, 1996). For the sufferer of anorexia, the onset of thedisease often begins with a chance remark by someone important to them, possiblya coach or a friend. They may suggest that they are getting fat, big, clumsy, orthat their performance (if they are athletes) is suffering (Blackman, 1996). The Greenhouse Effect Argumentative EssayThe nutritionist then must carefully plan nutrition education sessions to makethem as meaningful to the person as is possible. Refeeding is also not astraightforward process as anorexics often find it quite difficult to gainweight. This is due to an increased diet induced thermogenesis and a lowermetabolic efficiency. Anorexic patients can waste about 50% of the energy oftheir food due to this inefficient metabolism at the start of refeeding, makingthe maintenance of any gain in weight difficult (Moukadden, 1997). Another studyconcluded that even with weight gain after 3 months to a year, it was not enoughto maintain a desirable nutritional status. This was because patients did notreach an adequate body mass index and their immunological indexes were lowerthan in control subjects during an entire one year follow-up (Marcos, 1997). Conclusions From the information presented, one can only imagine just howcomplex the issues really are that the anorexic attempts to deal with viadieting. The anorexic may be dealing with substance abuse, depression, sexualabuse, confusion about their sexual orientation, or bodily dissatisfaction toname a few. The individual anorexic may be suffering from a combination of suchissues in varying degrees. To what extent, psychological, societal, andbiological factors affect the onset of the disorder is, as of yet, too complexto determine. It appears to vary from individual to individual, although thereare some features seen more commonly than others. The variability seen with thedisorder on an individual basis is why the anorexic sufferer can not becategorized into a particular stereotypical group. It is not just the whiteadolescent girl who is affected. The disorder affects various other groups aswell and is being seen more frequently in groups it did not typically affect. Ithas been m entioned how the disorder is becoming more prevalent among immigrantswho move to westernized cultures; yet, the disorder is rarely ever seen in lessdeveloped countries. Males also are being seen more frequently to be sufferersof this traditionally female disorder. This data seems not to point to aparticular group as being more prone to developing anorexia, but instead pointsto society=s unrealistic and unachievable ideals, as encouraging more sensitive,insecure, or emotionally disturbed individual members of society to lose weight. Weight loss often provides these people with short lived confidence, and for awhile they feel good about their weight loss and in control of something intheir life. They inevitably desire to feel like this again so they set out tolose more weight. This cycle continues until someone steps in and helps thesufferer by convincing them to seek help. This can be hard as the anorexic isusually so far in denial that they are the last to realize just what shape theyare in. The road to recovery is difficult and the body seems to resist anyweight gain during the initial refeeding period. Even after an entire year oftreatment, evidence suggests that recovery has not been achieved and manyanorexics still continue to suffer from their disorder. There are so manycomplications that anorexia can be attributed to that it would appear that thequicker a person complies with treatment and can be recovered, the better. It isquite obvious that anorexia is a complex disorder that partly involves how oneperc eives his or her self and what physical standard society dictates theyshould live up to. The topic has many areas that require further research associety has been shown not to be the entire causative factor for the developmentof the disorder. It has been shown to be one of them however; so until societybecomes more realistic in the ideals it endorses, it is responsible, at least inpart, for the prevalence of this disorder. BibliographyBlackman, M. A Anorexia Nervosa: Diagnosis and Management, @ Medical ScopeMonthly, July/August, 1996 (or see www.tminus10.com/children/health/anex.htm). Carlat, D. J. ; Camargo Jr. , C. A. ; and Herzog, D. B. AEating Disorders inMales: A Report on 135 Patients, A American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, August1997, 1127-1132. Council on Size and Weight Discrimination. Facts and Figures. New York: Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Inc. , 1996. EatingDisorder Resource Centre of British Columbia. Do I Have an Eating Disorder? . Vancouver: Working Design, 1997. Kershenbaum, A. ; Jaffa, T. ; Zeman, A. ; andBoniface, S. A Bilateral Foot Drop in a Patient With Anorexia Nervosa, AInternational Journal of Eating Disorders, 22, November 1997, 335-337. Kinzl, J. F. ; Mangwelth, B. ; Traweger, C. M. ; and Biebl, W. A Eating-DisorderedBehavior in Males: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, A InternationalJournal of Eating Disorders, 22, September 1997, 131-138. Marcos, A. ; Varela,P. ; Toro, O. ; Lpez-Vidriero, I. ; Nova, E. ; Madruga, J. C. ; and Morand,G. AInteractions between nutrition and immunity in anorexia nervosa: a 1-yfollow up study, A American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 66, August 1997,485-490. Merriman, S. H. A Nutrition education in the treatment of eatingdisorders: a suggested 10 session course, @ Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics,6, October 1996, 377-380. Moukadden, M. ; Bouler, A. ; Apfelbaum, M. ; andRigaud, D. A Increase in diet-induced thermogenesis at the start of refeeding inseverely malnourished anorexia nervosa patients, A American Journal of ClinicalNutrition, 66, July 1997, 133-140. Murnen, S. K. ; and Smolak, L. A Feminity,Masculinity, and Disordered Eating: A Meta-Analytic Review, A InternationalJournal of Eating Disorders, 22, November 1997, 231-242. Neumrker, K. AMortality and Sudden Death in Anorexia Nervosa, A International Journal ofEating Disorders, 21, April 1997, 205-212. Nimmons, D. A Sex and the Brain, ADiscover, March 1994, 64-68, 70-71. Rock, C. L. ; Gorenflo, D. W. ; Drewnowski,A. ; and Demitrack, M. A. ANutritional characteristics, eating pathology, andhormonal status in young women, A American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64,October 1996, 566-571Health Care

The statement that the serial killer is addicted t Essay Example For Students

The statement that the serial killer is addicted t Essay o what he does cannot be properly supported without a discussion of addiction. While the pharmacological examples such as alcoholism and heroin addiction are still the clearest examples of addiction, new models of addictive behavior including exercise addiction, compulsive gambling, and even sexual addiction have gained acceptance. Just as alcoholism was once thought to be a conscious choice, these latter examples have long been thought to be the result of such things as a defective moral character. Recently, however, it has been recognized that the sexual addict or the compulsive gambler can stop their compulsion no more easily than the alcoholic. An underlying statement, accepted by most in the world of addiction research, recognizes addiction as an integrated, bio-psycho-social illness (Johnson, 1993). We will write a custom essay on The statement that the serial killer is addicted t specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In other words, an addiction is not an isolated physical or social illness. The addiction contains elements of society, biology and individual psychology (Johnson, 1993). The definition of the bio-psycho-social model states that an addiction is the repeated use of a substance or a compelling involvement in behavior that directly or indirectly modifies the internal milieu (as indicated by changes in neurochemical and neuronal activity) in such a way as to produce immediate reinforcement, but whose long-term effects are personally or medically harmful or highly disadvantageous to society (Pomerleau, 1988). This viewpoint manages to catch all addictions, including both substance and process, and define them in a learning context. A brief, yet encompassing view of addictions purpose is that of a coping device. The addiction becomes a method in which the addicted individual can manage and magically control multiple forms of anxiety (Keller, 1992, p. 224). Much like a security blanket, or favorite stuffed animal, the addiction is used to protect and comfort the addicted individual. Understanding the magical, and comforting, role played by the addictive substance is key to understanding addiction. By viewing an addiction as a coping device, much of the addictions allure becomes evident, as does the addicted individuals continued return to it. Addiction is invariably a progressive disease (Schaef, 1987; ). Simply put, it gets worse. Some addictions progress more slowly than others, while some addictions progress very quickly. Some of the progression speed would seem to be based in the individual. Not all alcoholics drink at the same speeds, or have problems with their drinking after a certain, predefined time. Some researchers argue that addiction is always fatal, but others view this as a questionable statement (Schaef, 1987). Not only does addiction build, it builds until the individual is destroyed. Eisenstein was one of the first to list hypersexuality (now called sexual addiction) as an addiction (Orford, 1985). Indeed, sexual addiction is like alcoholism in that the sex addict uses a mood-altering experience, just as the alcoholic uses a mood-altering drug (Carnes, 1983). Carnes (1983) goes further, recognizing the progressive cycle of sexual addiction, and describing how the addict becomes increasingly focused on sex. The only argument against labeling sexual addiction as an addiction, which has fallen rather short in the last decade, is the societal definition of excessive sexual behavior. That is, each society defines excessive behavior differently. What may be viewed as excessive in one locale and time may be viewed as quite acceptable in another. Thus, while the true sexual addict may be labeled as simply active, after a period of time, the level of activity will have grown to a point where the addiction is unmistakable. Gambling, meanwhile, is also a mood modifier, or psychotropic experience (Orford, 1985). Much like sexual behavior and alcohol, gambling has the power to alter moods and cognitive states in those who partake. Some have argued that gambling is so very powerful a mood modifier, that it is for all intents and purposes a drug (Orford, 1985). Gambling addiction, too, is a progressive disease. Virtually everyone has heard anecdotes of afflicted individuals gambling away careers, marriages, and homes. Gambling addiction has now been recognized to be as powerful an addiction as alcohol, and has even been compared in strength to heroin (Orford, 1985). .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .postImageUrl , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:hover , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:visited , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:active { border:0!important; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:active , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Alexander the Great Essay The importance and similarity among the addictions is their mood-modifying nature. Exercise, gambling, and sexual behavior are all psychotropic behaviors, just as alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana are psychotropic substances. Essentially, the addictive substance is psychotropic, and as such, is an understandable coping device. All of these behaviors can make an individual feel better for a while, and this brief respite from anxiety is what eventually leads the individual into addiction. Some researchers seek an addiction gene, convinced that when it is found, .