HEY intelligent person,,, Why does it feel good to scratch an itch?

Question

No seriously,and why do i want to keep doing it after its no longer itchy?

Does it release a natural drug? What chemical is it that gives me that slightly addictive 'High' feeling? Help i Cant stop!

Answer 1

An itch is your body signaling your brain that the particular spot needs to be scratched. It's an unpleasant stimulus, and eliminating and unpleasant stimulus is experienced as pleasure. It's the same reason it feels good to drink when you're thirsty or eat when you're hungry. I think that it stimulates the dopamine reward pathways in your brain, but I'm not entirely certain of that.