Motivation and the Brain

For years there is a constant debate going over to find the factors that motivates an individual or influence their behavior. After this the question which comes to the mind is that either there is a single tool which can be used for everyone, an instrument which always proves out to be successful as far as motivation is concerned (Leshner, 2007).

The most important thing in this in this regard is to identify that individuals personality, believes and attitudes. There are different types of people around us all with different set of skills, different aspirations and different things motivates them. Everyone have different fondness in life, different set of goals, so everyone have different priorities when it comes to motivational factors. Some may be motivated by monetary incentives but on the other hand other may not. One thing which is certain till now is that there is no single formula by which everyone can be motivated. The single common thing in every human being is that they all are different so there must be different things from which they get motivated (Dennis, 2007).  

In modern psychology the most important thing on which the researchers are focusing are the motivating factors that entice one to do what one does. If we further narrow down this then it lead us towards the study of addiction, social interactivity, thought process and motivation.    

Now there can be number of factors which influence the brain structures and functions that are associated with motivation in abstaining the usage of drug. These include the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, the environment in which that individual is moving, and the heredity.  

Influencing a persons behavior is a very demanding job and in order to successfully go through this exercise the most important thing which is required is a comprehensive knowledge of that individuals values, beliefs, attitude, their preference, and those forces that molds them in following a particular action. Research has shown that although the environment in which the person is moving plays a vital role but the persons functions of brain is the most crucial part, as brain is controlling all the activities of the body (DiClemente, 1999).

Brain Structures and Functions
The physical changes are mainly caused by the chronic substance abuse, which have a large impact on the functioning of the brain. Studies have shown that the structure of the brain changes radically with the usage of drug which eventually results in carvings, tolerance, withdrawal, abstinence etc.  
Apart from that the use of drug also results in an increase of dopamine, which causes the sensitivity of euphoria, which is the compelling force of drug use.

Extrinsic Motivators
When it comes to refrain drug use extrinsic motivation almost becomes epidemic. It plays a vital role in providing the addict a desire to quit drugs and came back to normal life. A good example of extrinsic motivation can be given of obtaining a job which would not be given to that addict until and unless heshe quit drugs (Dennis, 2007). The external reward in this case would be money. Similarly other actions like coercion, punishment, force can also become extrinsic motivators. Other type of extrinsic motivators can be loss of employment, or loss of a loved one like spouse, then financial disruptions etc.      

Intrinsic Motivators
Intrinsic motivators have proven out to be much more successful when it comes to drug recovery. This was observed with many addicts that the severe the problem was more internal motivation was there for treatment (Leshner, 2007). Apart from that the desire that arises in an individual like taking part in social activities, getting employed somewhere, making friends etc also urges the person to get rid of this habit which is keeping him astray from all this (Fowler, 2003).

Environment
Without a doubt environment plays a key role in the rehabilitation process of a drug addict. It was observed that those patients who were living in an environment which was free from drug users or suppliers were recovering at a rapid pace as compared to those who  were living in conditions where drugs was being used around them. Also if the people in the environment consider drug using as not a good thing then also it can help the patient (DiClemente, 1999).

In short it could be said that the motivational factors to refrain drug use can be intrinsic or extrinsic. However the success rate of the extrinsic motivational factors likes rewards or punishments are comparatively low. Apart from all these factors the persons personal desires and commitment towards getting rid of this bad habit is also very important. Living in an environment that is conducive and health would also put a positive impact on the patient and the urge of leaving this would increase (Fowler, 2003).  

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