Understanding the Process of Addiction: A Journey Through the Mind and Body

—Written by Felicia Brown-Grinstead MS BS CADC II-CA | August 8, 2025

Founder of Discarded By Society

Addiction is a word that carries significance—bringing to mind images of struggle, despair, resilience, and, for some, hope. But what exactly is addiction, and how does it gain total control? The process of addiction is complex interaction between biology, psychology, and environment, converting casual behaviors into compulsive patterns. Whether it’s substances like alcohol or drugs, or behaviors like gambling or gaming, addiction follows a predictable personal path. In this blog, we’ll unpack the stages of addiction, explore why it happens, and shine a light on the road to recovery, drawing on the latest research to shed light on this critical issue.

What Is Addiction?

Fundamentally, addiction is a serious chronic condition characterized compulsiveness, a drive to engage in maladaptive behaviors despite harmful negative outcomes or consequences.  It's pivotal to understand that addiction is a brain disorder, not a lack of willpower (which is what I thought before becoming educated in addiction studies) or a moral shortcoming. It profoundly impacts behaviors, altering thought processes, and emotions. This gripping disorder hijacks the brain’s reward system, particularly its dopamine pathways leading to profound cravings that can cloud judgment and decision-making.

Research led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reinforces our understanding of addiction as a brain-based disorder, revealing that it triggers neuroplastic changes within critical brain networks that handle reward, executive functions, and emotion. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Services (SAMHSA, 2023), in 2023 alone, an alarming 48.5 million Americans aged 12 or older were grappling with a substance use disorder (SUD), underscoring the urgent need for collective action in addressing this pressing public health crisis. It’s time to shift our perspective on addiction and recognize it as a significant health issue that deserves our attention and support.

The Stages of Addiction

Addiction typically develops gradually, its roots taking hold before its full impact becomes apparent. The process develops through stages, each shaped by personal, individual, and external factors, as supported by recent research [NIDA, 2024; SAMHSA, 2023]. These stages offer a window into how habits can evolve into challenges.

1.     First Exposure: The Starting Point

The path to addiction typically begins with an initial exposure and/or early experimentation with a substance or behavior often driven by curiosity, social influence--peer pressure, or a desire to cope with difficult feelings. Imagine a young person sampling a drink at a gathering, experiencing a rush of enjoyment from dopamine activation. Factors such as peer influence and ease of access to substances can significantly influence this early step. Data from (SAMHSA, 2023) reveals that 47.5% of those 12 and older reported drinking alcohol in the past month, of those 47.5% who reported drinking alcohol in the past month, 45.6% of them “were past month binge drinkers” (SAMHSA, 2023), underscoring how common these first experiences are. Binge drinking consists of 5 or more alcoholic drinks in the same sitting for males and 4 or more for women (SAMHSA, 2018).

2.     Experimentation: Chasing the High
Random engagement with a behavior and / or a substance can often progressively develops into a sustained pattern as the brain's reward system reinforces the association with pleasurable outcomes. During this stage, individuals may turn to activities such as weekend drinking or frequent online gaming as coping mechanisms for stress.  While the brain's reward system strengthens this behavior, ultimately it remains a conscious decision.  Due to ongoing brain development and heighted social and environmental influences, adolescence is an exceptionally sensitive time, especially because young people are vulnerable to peer pressure and environments that seem fun and harmless at first. However, these influences can lead to lasting changes in their brains, which are still in the process of forming (Current Addiction Research. (n.d.). Substance Addiction-Article 228).

3.     Regular Use: A Slippery Slope

According to The Haven Detox (2025, April 29), a study from 2023 highlights a concerning statistic: “17.1% of the US population aged 12 and older met the criteria for a substance use disorder.” This reality is that recreational substance use can tragically spiral into a compulsive, daily need.  The substance or behavior can become a primary means of handling emotions, stress, or even boredom. Repeated exposure to a substance or substances can lead to a diminished response, necessitating increased dosages to maintain the initial effect.  The body starts to adapt, leading to a dependency on larger quantities to feel those previous sensations. The brain's reward system shifts as well, becoming less responsive to natural sources of joy social interactions, resulting in a reliance on the addictive substance and / or behavior just to feel normal.

4.     Dependence: The Point of No Return

Dependency emerges as the brain and body adapt to a substance or behavior, leading to withdrawal symptoms when it's reduced or stopped—both physical and psychological—when the substance or behavior is not present. Individuals withdrawing from substances can experience a wide array of symptoms, encompassing psychological distress like anxiety and physical discomfort, including intense pain. The intensity and nature of these symptoms often compel individuals to resume substance use to find relief. According to research from NIDA, dependence affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing impulse control and making it more difficult for individuals to quit. For instance, in 2023, only 14.6% of individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) underwent treatment, highlighting the significant challenges faced during this stage (National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2024, March 6).

5.     Addiction: The Cycle Takes Over
In severe addiction, the mid-brain is controlling the show, thereby the brain is convinced that it is in survival mode, which drives survivalist behavior to take over, often overshadowing relationships, work, and health. Addiction alters brain function, causing the brain to prioritize the addictive stimulus and potentially leading to feelings of guilt or shame.  According to The Haven Detox. (2025, April 29), in 2023, 85.4% of those with a SUD (substance use disorder) received no treatment, reflecting the powerful pull of addiction, societal stigma, and lack of access.

Just like with substance addiction, neurological studies show that gambling addiction involves similar brain mechanisms. Specifically, the brain's reward system, driven by dopamine, becomes dysregulated and reinforces compulsive gambling behaviors. This is because both activities trigger the release of dopamine, that creates feelings of pleasure, reinforcing the behaviors and leading to a desire to repeat them despite negative consequences.

Note on Additional Stages:

While the five stages outlined above capture a core progression of addiction, some models highlight other critical stages that shape this journey.  These include Misuse (harmful patterns, such as using substances to numb stress or using controlled substances as well as over the counter and prescription medications inappropriately, Risky Use (early behaviors with potential harm, like excessive drinking at social events.  Additionally, risky use can also refer to unhealthy patterns of substance use that can increase the probability of negative consequences) Risky use can lead to dependence if use continues, ), Tolerance Development (needing more for the same effect, a sign of physical adaptation), and Relapse (a return to use after attempting to quit, offering a chance to learn and grow).

Why Does Addiction Happen?

Addiction arises from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, as supported by recent studies:

• Biology: Recent research increasingly underscores that addiction is a complex disorder rooted in the interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Based on research noted in National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2025, January 7), genetics account for 40–60% of addiction vulnerability, influencing dopamine regulation and reward sensitivity. For example, research on the Shisa7 gene has linked it to heroin-seeking behavior in preclinical models.

• Psychology: Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, often co-occur with addiction. According to The Haven Detox. (2025, April 29), in 2023, 856,000 adolescents had both a major depressive episode and SUD, showing the strong link between mental health and substance use.

• Environment: Frontiers. (2025, April 9), reported socioeconomic factors, like poverty or unemployment, increase addiction risk. Areas with over 30% of residents below the poverty line see double the overdose rates of affluent regions.

• Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to adapt reinforces addiction. Drug-induced changes in brain circuits, such as those involving reward and decision-making, make the behavior self-sustaining ((NIDA). (2024, March 6).

Breaking the Cycle: The Path to Recovery

• Recovery is possible, and science-backed approaches are making a difference. In 2023, over 22 million Americans identified as in recovery (SAMHSA. 2024, December 12), a testament to resilience and effective interventions. Key steps include:

• Awareness: Recognizing the problem is critical, often prompted by self-reflection or loved ones. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) connects individuals to local resources.

• Seeking Help: Treatments backed by evidence as reported in Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network. (2025, July 9), such as contingency management (CM), have proven highly effective for stimulant use disorders. This method, which incentivizes positive behavior, is recognized as the standard treatment for addiction to methamphetamine and cocaine.

• Support Systems: Support networks are a vital component in helping people navigate the challenges of substance use. Family therapy and peer support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous have been essential resources for many seeking recovery. According to a report published by SAMHSA, 2024 (December 12), in 2023, 45.1% of those who successfully tackled their substance use issues were involved in peer support groups.

• Lifestyle Changes: Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) reduces opioid cravings by rewiring the brain’s response to natural rewards. Healthy habits, like exercise, also aid recovery as stated in ScienceDaily. (2025, April 30).

• Persistence: Relapse is common but not failure. Research emphasizes that recovery is a process, with small steps leading to lasting change.

A Final Thought

Addiction is a thief, gradually eroding time, relationships, self-esteem, and self-worth. But understanding its process empowers us to fight back. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone else, know that the journey through addiction is not a straight line—it’s a winding path with hope at every turn. By shining a light on how addiction works, we can take the first steps toward healing.

References

1.     Addiction Group. (2025, February 16). Current Addiction Statistics: 2025 Data on Substance Abuse & Trends. Retrieved from www.addictiongroup.org

2.     National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2024, March 6). NIDA IC Fact Sheet 2025. Retrieved from nida.nih.gov

3.     SAMHSA. (2023, June 9). SAMHSA’s National Helpline. Retrieved from www.samhsa.gov

4.     National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2025, January 7). Reflecting on NIDA’s 50th Year and Looking to 2025. Retrieved from nida.nih.gov

5.     Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network. (2025, July 9). Addiction Messenger Feature Article July 2025. Retrieved from attcnetwork.org

6.     American Journal of Psychiatry. (2024, May 5). Drugs and Addiction Science: NIDA Celebrates 50 Years of Research and Looks to the Future. Retrieved from psychiatryonline.org

7.     The Haven Detox. (2025, April 29). 70+ US Addiction Facts and Statistics 2025. Retrieved from havendetoxnow.com

8.     SAMHSA. (2024, December 12). Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. Retrieved from www.samhsa.gov

9.     Cornerstone Healing Center. (2025, January 9). Drug Abuse and Addiction Statistics | Updated for 2025. Retrieved from www.cornerstonehealingcenter.com

10.Current Addiction Research. (n.d.). Substance Addiction. Retrieved from www.currentaddiction.org

11.Frontiers. (2025, April 9). Substance Use Disorder Recovery Research Opportunities: Perspectives from a Federal Interagency Workgroup. Retrieved from www.frontiersin.org

12.ScienceDaily. (2025, April 30). Mindfulness Therapy Reduces Opioid Craving and Addiction, Study Finds. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please seek help immediately if you or someone you know is having a medical or psychological emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Addiction is a serious but treatable condition, and support is available. Contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), TTY 800-487-4889 for free or chat 988lifeline.org, confidential assistance 24/7, or visit findtreatment.gov to locate treatment services near you. For immediate crisis support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You are not alone—help is just a call or click away. The content on this blog is provided for general informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute professional psychological, therapeutic, medical, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional counseling, therapy, or mental health treatment from a licensed professional. If you are experiencing emotional distress, unresolved trauma, mental health concerns, or any other issues requiring professional support, please call 988, consult a qualified therapist, counselor, psychologist, or healthcare provider for personalized guidance and care. The author and publisher of this blog make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided. Any reliance on the content is at your own risk. The author and publisher shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, the information on this blog. By reading or engaging with this content, you acknowledge that it is not a substitute for professional advice and that you are responsible for seeking appropriate professional assistance as needed. This blog is the expressed opinion of the author.