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Pollatos, O., Werner, N. S., Duscheck, S., Schandry, R., Matthias, E., Traut-Mattausch, E., & Herbert, B. M. (2011). Differential effects of alexithymia subscales on autonomic reactivity and anxiety social stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 70, 525-533. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.12.003

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• TITLE: Proposal to Prevent Alcohol Dependence Using Purpose in Life/Ikigai to Mimic the Chemical Effects of β-Endorphin

  AUTHORS: Riichiro Ishida

  KEYWORDS: Purpose in Life/Ikigai; Alcohol Dependence; Pleasure; Anxiety; β-Endorphin

  JOURNAL NAME: Psychology, Vol.3 No.7, June 18, 2012

  ABSTRACT: Purpose in life (PIL)/ikigai is a social attitude based on the concept that, “every person has a need to establish meaning in life”. Comfort and pleasure are related to the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and β-endorphin. Drinking alcohol can also trigger emotions and cause the secretion of β-endorphin. Persons, who have an inner sense of satisfaction, do not need or want to induce comfort and pleasure by using alcohol or morphine. The primary chemical structures of β-endorphin and morphine are similar. Therefore, it is possible that helping people to achieve PIL/ikigai could strengthen psychological and/or physical defenses against alcohol dependence.