Love is a drug: NYTimes article

Love really can be a drug, according to new research that shows feelings of intense love can relieve pain.

Love and Pain Relief - for the full article click here

By TARA PARKER-POPE published NYTimes.com on October 13, 2010, 6:31 PM

Researchers from Stanford University studied the link between love and pain by scanning the brains of 15 college students who all professed to being deeply in love. Looking at a picture of a loved one reduced moderate pain by about 40 %  and eased severe pain by about 10 to 15 %, compared to viewing the picture of an acquaintance. Love-induced analgesia was associated with the brain’s reward centers, while the pain relief resulting from distraction occurred mostly along cognitive pathways.

Other studies have shown that romantic love activates the brain’s dopamine system, much as addictive behaviors similar to those credited with the “runner’s high” that can occur with exercise.

The findings support the theory that pain patients may find some relief by seeking out pleasurable activities. “Find things to give you pleasure in life, whether it be through the one you love or going and listening to great music or reading a good book,” Dr. Mackey said. “It suggests that activating this intrinsic reward system ultimately can reduce your pain.”