Proposal to Prevent Alcohol Dependence Using Purpose in Life/<i>Ikigai</i> to Mimic the Chemical Effects of <i>β</i>-Endorphin — Oak Academic Publishing
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Proposal to Prevent Alcohol Dependence Using Purpose in Life/<i>Ikigai</i> to Mimic the Chemical Effects of <i>β</i>-Endorphin
321-8 Akasabi, Nishikan-ku, Niigata 953-0042, Japan
1 321-8 Akasabi, Nishikan-ku, Niigata 953-0042, Japan
Purpose in life (PIL)/ ikigai is a social attitude based on the concept that, “every person has a need to establish meaning in life”. Comfort and pleasure are related to the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and β-endorphin. Drinking alcohol can also trigger emotions and cause the secretion of β-endorphin. Persons, who have an inner sense of satisfaction, do not need or want to induce comfort and pleasure by using alcohol or morphine. The primary chemical structures of β-endorphin and morphine are similar. Therefore, it is possible that helping people to achieve PIL/ ikigai could strengthen psychological and/or physical defenses against alcohol dependence.
KeywordsPurpose in Life/IkigaiAlcohol DependencePleasureAnxiety<i>β</i>-Endorphin
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