From a young age, children are exposed to devices that release large amounts of dopamine in the brain, a chemical that makes us feel good. Many millennial parents might not realise this, but this exposure can lead to addiction over time. I am no exception to this addiction; a friend of mine, Eram, who joined the defence after college, is a perfect example. Recently, during a vacation, he shared stories from his academy. However, one important detail was missing from his anecdotes: he did not mention using his phone or other distractions to escape. The experiences of other officer cadets raise the question: what really is addiction?
Recently, I came across the fascinating work of psychologist Dr. Bruce Alexander and his "Rat Park" experiments. Before Dr. Alexander's work, most studies on addiction involved testing drugs on isolated rats kept in small cages with nothing to do. These lonely rats often overdosed showed no signs of recovery, painting a rather bleak picture of addiction.
Dr. Alexander decided to change this approach. He built a large, engaging environment called "Rat Park," filled with activities, friends, and plenty of space to explore. When given the choice between regular food and food laced with drugs, the rats in this friendly environment mostly chose the normal food. They hardly overdosed at all! This demonstrated that their surroundings and social connections played a crucial role in their behaviour.
As Dr. Alexander stated, "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it is connection." This quote resonates deeply when we consider Eram's experience. In today's world, where screens often replace real-life interactions, the importance of genuine connections is more critical than ever. Without real friendships and a sense of community, people-especially children-might turn to substances or behaviours that can lead to addiction.
The lessons from Dr. Alexander's research are important for both educational institutions and the government. Creation of a loving, connected environment is vital for preventing addiction. The authorities should focus on building spaces that encourage positive social interaction, such as parks, seminars, and open events. At the same time, students should recognise the value of real-life connections over digital distractions. Staying engaged with events, projects, hangouts, and social service will yield positive outcomes.
At a time when technology can make us feel more isolated, it is crucial to understand the hidden links between feeling alone and falling into addiction. By prioritising relationships, kindness, and community, we can help ourselves and future generations cope with life's challenges without turning to addictive behaviours. As we reflect on Eram's story and what we learned from Dr. Alexander's experiments, let us commit to creating a world where connections thrive, making it less likely for addiction to take hold and helping our youth build resilience.
Atif Ahnaf Chowdhury
atifahnafchw@gmail.com