Understanding the Science of Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that affects millions of people around the world. Whether it's alcohol, drugs, or even behaviors like gambling, addiction isn't simply a lack of willpower or a moral failing. 

Instead, addiction is a chronic disease that alters your brain's chemistry, creating powerful urges that can be nearly impossible to resist. Understanding the science behind addiction is vital if you're struggling with it, as well as for your loved ones.

At our offices in Denver and Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the board-certified physicians and counselors at Magnolia Medical Group are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction through personalized and compassionate care. 

We offer a range of substance abuse disorder services tailored to treat specific addictions, including alcohol, Adderall, fentanyl, opioids, heroin, meth, cocaine, and more.

Keep reading to learn more about the science of addiction, how it develops, and what you can do to take back control of your life.

What is addiction?

Addiction, also known as substance use disorder, occurs when a person becomes unable to control their use of a substance, even when it causes significant harm. 

This condition can develop with any substance or behavior stimulating your brain's reward system. 

When someone uses a substance like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants, it triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical in your brain that creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

In a healthy brain, dopamine is released in response to rewarding experiences like eating, socializing, or exercising. 

However, addictive substances hijack this system, causing an overwhelming surge of dopamine that leads to intense feelings of euphoria. 

Over time, your brain begins to rely on these substances to release dopamine, making it difficult to feel pleasure from normal activities.

How does an addiction develop?

The development of addiction is a gradual process that can begin with occasional substance use. At first, you might use a substance to relieve stress, manage pain, or enhance social experiences. 

However, repeated use changes the structure and function of the brain. These changes make the brain more dependent on the substance, reducing its ability to function normally without it.

As your brain adapts to the presence of the substance, it requires larger amounts to achieve the same effect—a phenomenon known as tolerance. This can lead to increased consumption and, eventually, addiction. 

When someone addicted tries to stop using the substance, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild discomfort to severe physical and psychological distress. 

These symptoms reinforce the cycle of addiction, making it difficult to quit without professional help.

What’s the role of brain chemistry in addiction?

Addiction deeply affects your brain’s chemistry, especially in areas responsible for decision-making, behavior control, and memory. 

The repeated use of addictive substances rewires your brain’s circuitry, prioritizing drug-seeking behaviors over other activities. 

This reprogramming of your brain’s reward system is what makes addiction so challenging to overcome.

In addition to dopamine, other brain chemicals, like glutamate and serotonin, play a role in addiction. 

Glutamate is involved in your learning and memory, and its dysregulation can lead to intense cravings and compulsive behavior. 

Serotonin, which helps regulate your mood, can also be affected by substance use, leading to mood swings, depression, and anxiety when the substance is not used. 

What are the signs of a developing addiction?

Before addiction fully takes hold, there are often warning signs that point to a developing problem. 

Recognizing these signs early can be the key to seeking help before the addiction becomes more severe. Here are some early signs to look for:

• Needing more of the substance to get the same effects
• Spending a lot of time thinking about or obtaining the substance
• Having withdrawal symptoms when not using 
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home 
• Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
• Continuing to use even knowing it’s harming your health or relationships

If you or someone you know has these signs, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. 

What’s involved with personalized help for addiction?

At Magnolia Medical Group, we understand that addiction is a deeply personal and challenging experience. Our substance use disorder treatment is comprehensive and individualized, focusing on both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. 

Our team offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making it easier for you to focus on your recovery.

In addition to MAT, our providers offer substance use counseling, peer support groups, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. 

We aim to help you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery to regain control of your life and achieve your goals.

If you're struggling with addiction, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our addiction specialists in Denver or Wheat Ridge, Colorado.