SNT integration produces measurable neurochemical rewards. When the bonding process completes and the brain receives its first signals through the neural bridge, patients report a sensation consistently described as 'becoming more.' Neuroimaging confirms a dopamine surge comparable to first-dose responses in substance addiction.

This is not a side effect. It is the intended function. The brain is supposed to feel good about integrating new capabilities. Evolution rewards organisms that expand their sensory and motor capacity. SNT hijacks this reward pathway — every successful augmentation teaches the brain that more chrome equals more pleasure.

The pattern that follows is clinically indistinguishable from behavioral addiction:
— Initial augmentation produces euphoria and enhanced self-image
— Tolerance develops as the brain normalizes the augmented state
— The patient desires additional augmentation to recapture the initial response
— Financial and social consequences mount as augmentation spending increases
— Withdrawal (implant removal or SNT degradation) produces depression, anxiety, and identity crisis

We call this Augmentation Dependency Syndrome (ADS). It affects an estimated 8% of augmented individuals in the GLMZ. The number is likely higher in populations with access to cheap augmentation and cultural pressure to be enhanced.

The cyberware industry does not acknowledge ADS. Cortex Dynamics' position is that 'patient satisfaction with augmentation outcomes reflects the quality of our integration technology, not a pathological process.' Translated: they are proud that their product is addictive.