Imagine a life consumed by a constant craving. Day and night you’re chasing a fix that promises temporary relief but ultimately leaves you feeling empty and lost afterwards.
For some people, this fix is a substance like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine. For others, the fix might be behavior like gambling, excessive use of the internet, or compulsive shopping.
Whether it’s substance or behavior, these fixes can become so all-consuming that they interfere with relationships, work, and other important aspects of life—we call this psychological phenomenon “addiction”.
In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the science of addiction, exploring its two types, its devastating consequences, and the path to recovery.
Science of Addiction
Addiction doesn't start immediately, and its beginnings are often subtle.
For example, a person who initially enjoys a casual alcoholic drink or two may not see it as a problem. However, when alcohol consumption becomes excessive, to the point of substance abuse, and interferes with daily life, it crosses the line into addiction.
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder where people compulsively seek substances or engage in a behavior, despite negative consequences. It’s considered a brain disease because it changes how a person’s brain works especially in aspects of pleasure, stress, and self-control.
So, why is it hard for people to break free from addiction? It's all about how it works.
#1 Addiction triggers feelings of pleasure and reward
When a person uses a substance or engages in an addictive behavior, their brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure or happiness. Over time, the brain becomes conditioned to associate the substance or behavior with feeling good even when disrupting life.
#2 It affects the brain’s response system
When a person is addicted, their brain's stress response system becomes overactive. Quitting or resisting the urge to use or engage in one’s addiction may often lead to anxiety, irritability, and other unpleasant symptoms like withdrawal. The heightened response can also impair focus and concentration which makes it harder for a person to focus on anything else aside from seeking the addictive substance or behavior.
#3 Addiction co-occurs with other mental health disorders
Addiction often is linked with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This can make it even more difficult to overcome addiction, as these disorders interact with each other in complex ways.
For example, a person suffering from depression may turn to substances like marijuana or opioids as a coping mechanism, hoping to escape their hopelessness or numbness. This leads to drug addiction and dependency that worsens their depressive state and also causes health problems, making it even more difficult to break the cycle.
Differentiating Types of Addiction
There are two primary types of addiction: Behavioral and substance addiction.
Both alter a person’s brain chemistry and behavior patterns, causing negative consequences in one’s relationship, work, lifestyle, and overall quality of life.
Behavioral Addiction
Behavioral addiction is a complex psychological condition characterized by excessive and compulsive engagement in activities that can lead to negative consequences, despite repeated attempts to control or stop them. These behaviors often interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Common addictions include:
Gambling
Sexual addiction
Excessive use of the internet
Excessive shopping
Gaming addiction
Substance Addiction
Substance addiction involves the compulsive use of substances, leading to abuse and dependence. As the body adapts to the substance, it gradually requires larger doses to achieve the same effect, a phenomenon known as tolerance.
This increased tolerance can lead to a cycle of escalating use and dependence. Additionally, when a person with substance addiction stops using the substance, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physically and psychologically distressing.
Common addictions include:
Alcohol
Drugs
Smoking nicotine
Prescription medications
While behavioral and substance addictions are distinct, they can often be interconnected.
For example, those struggling with substance addiction may also engage in compulsive behaviors like gambling to cope with their cravings or to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Conversely, a person with behavioral addictions may turn to drugs to self-medicate or to enhance their experiences.
Path to Recovery
Addiction can feel like a relentless monster, pulling you deeper and deeper into its grip. The constant cravings and overwhelming urges can make it hard to function, let alone imagine breaking free.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that there is hope.
Various modalities of therapy can help a person with an addiction disorder move forward. One of which is a behavioral or substance abuse intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOPs can help address the underlying causes of an individual’s addiction, help them develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild their lives. It’s a form of high-level care without requiring full-time residential treatment, providing a structured and supportive environment to help break the cycle.
Arbor Intensives is an IOP that focuses on helping those struggling with emotional and behavioral health. We combine a variety of traditional and innovative therapies in one program, with a dedicated team of professionals working collaboratively to support your recovery journey.
Together, let’s overcome addiction and reclaim your life!
If you have questions about trauma or our services, please don’t hesitate to contact Arbor Intensives. We’re always happy to help you heal.