Music-The New Drug Of Choice?

You know that feeling of excitement you get when a song you like comes on the radio? 

A new study by a team of scientists at McGill Unviversity concludes that listening to good music can trigger feelings of euphoria that your brain will want to feel again, similar to using a drug.

McGill scientist Valorie Salimpoor says:

"If music-induced emotional states can lead to dopamine release, as our findings indicate, it may begin to explain why musical experiences are so valued".

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that transmits nerve impulses.

To find out whether dopamine was involved in the pleasure of music participants in the study were asked to bring in their favorite music selection.  The subjects were played "neutral" music and their own choices.  The results indicate increased dopamine activity when participants heard their music of choice.

The breakdown, we get a rush when we hear music we like.

Is it possible to OD on your favorite song?  Not likely.  Will you die if you don't hear your favorite artist?  I highly doubt it.  But you will feel better hearing it, that is for sure!