What caused addiction

In the mid 90's, Icelandic teens were among Europe's biggest

drinkers and smokers.
Today, Iceland is at the top of the ranking of European
countries where the lifestyle of teenagers (young ages 13-19)
is the healthiest!
How did this evolution happen?
Icelandic scientists have attempted to discover the biochemical
processes that caused addiction.
Harvey Milkman, an American professor of psychology, today
in charge of courses at the University of Reykjavik, has come
to the conclusion that choosing the type of alcohol or drugs
depends on how the human body is used to dealing with stress.
Turns out there are many different substances that cause
biochemical processes in the brain, which the body then
becomes dependent.
Scientists are then looking for actions that stimulate the same
brain processes.
Selon Milkman :
"You may be addicted to tobacco, alcohol, Coca-Cola, energy
drinks and certain foods...
We decided to offer the teenagers something better.
We discovered that dancing, music, drawing or sport also
caused biochemical processes in the brain that made
everything possible, but were also a harmless solution to
stress, and in terms of emotional effects nel, these actions
should have the same effect on teenagers as they did stimulus,
alcohol or tobacco.
From there on we offered them free masterclass programs in
any sport or art they would like to study. Overtime hours,
three times a week, have been specially funded by the state.
Every teenager was asked to participate in the program for
three months... but eventually, many of them have been
following these programs for more than five years. "
To solve the problems of nicotine and alcohol addiction
among teenagers, authorities also had to amend the law. Thus,
Iceland banned advertising for cigarettes and alcoholic
beverages and created special organizations for parents who,
in collaboration with the school, help students solve their
psychological problems.
Thanks to this, Iceland, for the past 20 years, has managed to
reduce the number of adolescents
who drink regularly from 48% to 5%
and those who smoke from 23% to 3%
Icelandic scientists suggest using similar methods in other
countries.