Addiction: What Is It?

Addiction is a complex condition that significantly impacts the brain.

Those who struggle with addiction have an intense focus on using or obtaining a particular substance or substances such as alcohol or drugs. This focus persists to the point where it eventually takes over the person’s life. Unfortunately, they will continue to use alcohol or drugs even when they are well aware of the adverse consequences that come with their use.

There are many substances one can become addicted to, ranging from alcohol and marijuana to opioid painkillers, stimulants, sedatives, and tobacco, among others. Each substance affects the brain and body in different ways.

The most common effect is how the substance impacts the reward centers of the brain. When someone initially starts using, their substance of choice affects how the brain releases a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body known for causing feelings of extreme happiness. Eventually, after ongoing use, someone who is addicted to substances finds that they cannot gain similar levels of joy and happiness without substances. Also, in time, the amount of the substance required to attain the level of happiness that was found early on continues to increase.

— Submitted by Jim Jones, Ph.D., Behavioral Health and Human Services Line Executive Director