Moreover, as the hedonic states vary on a continuum from extreme unhappiness (dysphoria) to high euphoria, it is a positive affect change, rather than necessarily euphoria itself, that is generally sought. Indeed, the need to experience change has likely evolved to motivate the fitness-significant behavior. Humans are very seldom in a (pathological) state of constant hunger or other cravings. Both the basal state and the magnitude of this change are subject to individual variation, and satisfaction is frequently achieved by the changes resulting from behaviors within the socially acceptable/legal boundaries. Obviously, merely using an illegal drug (and alcohol before legal age) once or a few times is already a violation of legal boundaries, but frequently not quite the social ones, especially when only immediate environment, rather than the larger society, is concerned (family, peers, who may have more lenient or different views on substance use). Such use informs an individual about his personal physiological reaction, a component of motivation. Any psychoactive substance can serve this purpose, and it does depending on availability, opportunity, peer pressure, culture, etc. These episodes, and
