Love is a subject that has had a lot of attention. People have written songs, books and poetry about it. In fact, love is one of the most written about subjects of all times. Love has a way of captivating people. It can turn even the most grounded person into a daydreamer. Love is such a perplexing subject that science has gotten involved to try to figure out just how loves works.

Scientists have discovered that love closely resembles addiction. The same chemical process that occurs in our body when we have an addiction occurs when we are in love. However, love is not so cut and dry.

Love is influenced by genetics and chemicals in our body, but it is also influenced by our experiences and our lives in general.

When a person falls in love their body produces many different chemicals. People who have been in love have no doubt felt the physical side effects that accompanies it. Sweaty palms and a racing heart are often common complaints when a person is falling in love. These physical effects are caused by the release of chemicals in the body, specifically, dopamine, norepinephrine and phenylethylamine. Dopamine is a chemical in the body that creates a feeling of pleasure when it is released. It is associated with many different activities, including love and addiction.

Scientists have also studied the human brain and how love affects it. One study examined the brain of a person who was looking at a picture of the person they were in love with. This brain scan showed increased blood flow in areas of the brain with a lot of dopamine receptors.

The findings of scientists suggest that love can be as much of a high as any drug. This natural high seems to change the body in the same ways addictions do. That explains much of the often crazy behavior people display when they are in love.

Even as love progresses chemicals still play a vital role. The body releases oxytocin and vasopressin to create feelings of attachment which help to keep that love addiction going strong.

Scientists believe that during the different stages of love, the chemicals produced play a large role in how people act. From the obsessive beginning state where lovers tend to obsess over each other to the more laid back, relaxed state of love that comes later, chemicals in the body play a crucial role.

So, while we may never be able to clearly define love or completely understand it, science has come a long way towards making it a bit easier to understand. They have made the connection between dopey love sick behavior and the body's reactions to help us better see why people who are in love really can't help the way they act.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - How Love Really Works

About the Author

Jane Haller runs a site called along with info on dating and relationship on her blog at at http://www.Hot-Firefighters.com/blog2