Substances of Abuse and Collateral Brain Hypoxia

This paper explores the notion that substances of abuse may induce a collateral brain hypoxia as part of their effects, which may boost euphoria and dopamine availability within the brain. Further, that frequent hypoxias may deplete the endogenous neurotransmitters of the brain, which may lead to cravings and contribute to addiction. Tolerance is contemplated as a misnomer for the cumulative dopaminergic pathway damage that is thought to occur after repeated substance induced brain hypoxias. The role of substance abstinence is discussed in the context of dopaminergic pathway damage. Novel pathway generation is contemplated in the treatment of addiction.