Science Solves Riddle of Michael Irvin's Brain

Steroid Nation proudly proclaims December 2006 as 'Solve the Mysteries of the Sporting Brain Month'.  Neuroscience marches forward.

A recent post, revealed the neurobiology of Dick Vitale's shouting compulsions. Now we go for more tantalizing biological secrets: the mysteries of Michael Irvin's central nervous system. The technical details are found here, at the American Chronicle.

The Pathology of Love, Sam Vaknin.  December 4, 2006. The unpalatable truth is that falling in love is, in some ways, indistinguishable from a severe pathology. Behavior changes are reminiscent of psychosis and, biochemically speaking, passionate love closely imitates substance abuse

So, a fellow who used cocaine, just might hang out around strippers, and do silly things?  You know the love-lust connection and all:

Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)...University College in London showed that the same areas of the brain are active when abusing drugs and when in love. The prefrontal cortex...is inactive when besotted.

Go on, doctor:

The initial drive - lust - is brought on by surges of sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. These induce an indiscriminate scramble for physical gratification...

The University of Chicago demonstrated that testosterone levels shoot up by one third even during a casual chat with a female stranger. The stronger the hormonal reaction, the more marked the changes in behavior, concluded the authors. This loop may be part of a larger "mating response". In animals, testosterone provokes aggression and recklessness.

So, this response increases aggression and(!) recklessness. Continue:

Love, in all its phases and manifestations, is an addiction, probably to the various forms of internally secreted norepinephrine, such as...amphetamine. Love, in other words, is a form of substance abuse. The withdrawal of romantic love has serious mental health repercussions.

It is clear now.  The 'Playmaker' with a heavily football-pummeled pre-frontal cortex, is really a swooning lover.  His need for lust love is responsive to cocaine a dopamine agent.  While bathing his dopamine neurons in white powder neuroactive chemicals, testosterone is released, causing an increase in hanging with strippers an "indiscriminate scramble for physical gratification".  Upside your head Serious mental health consequences can ensue if such gratification is denied.

And you thought science was for nerds.

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[Clay]

smoke coke