The Science of Addiction:
Understanding the Brain, Recovery, and Treatment

Explore the science of addiction with Black Horse Health and learn how brain chemistry, treatment, and support lead to real recovery and lasting change.

Written and reviewed by the clinical and leadership team at Black Horse Health, including licensed therapists, clinicians, and healthcare executives with over 100 years of combined experience.

From psychiatric care to holistic wellness, our Houston-based team brings together diverse expertise to provide accurate, compassionate, and personalized mental health, chronic pain, and addiction treatment.

Comprehensive Treatment at Black Horse Health

At Black Horse Health, we recognize that addiction is a complex disease that impacts the brain and body in profound ways. Understanding the science behind addiction is crucial to fostering effective healing, as substance use disorder (SUD) creates changes in neurochemistry, behavior, and overall well-being.

Our experienced specialists at Black Horse Health possess a deep understanding of this science, and we’re dedicated to empowering you or your loved one on the journey to recovery by addressing addiction’s root causes.

Our Approach to Healing and Recovery

Through evidence-based and holistic approaches, we deliver comprehensive care that targets these complex mechanisms in order to give everyone who comes through our doors the care and support they deserve.

Black Horse Health employs cutting-edge therapies and personalized strategies, including neurobiological education, to support lasting change.

We’re committed to providing the knowledge and tools necessary to break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild a healthier, more resilient life. To begin your journey forward, connect with us today.

Understanding the Science of Addiction

Addiction is characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. This impacts the brain’s structure and function in ways that persist long after substance use has stopped.¹

If this sounds familiar to you or a loved one, know that you are not alone. Nearly 24 million Americans have at least one addiction.²

However, research shows that only around 15% receive proper treatment. Our team at Black Horse Health is committed to challenging that statistic, one client at a time.³

How Addiction Impacts Brain Function

The science of addiction reveals that substances affect the brain’s biochemical processes, altering how neuroreceptors receive, process, and send information.⁴

These changes disrupt normal brain function in several key ways, such as:⁵

Reward circuit disruption: Addictive substances trigger the release of dopamine, creating intense pleasure that the brain links to survival.
Decision-making impairment: As addiction progresses, the brain’s ability to control decision-making and judgment becomes compromised.
Compulsive behavior: Substance use becomes an all-consuming desire, intruding on brain function in ways that persist even after treatment.

These changes can persist long after substance use stops.

The Brain's Reward System

The science of addiction centers on understanding how substances affect the brain’s reward system. When someone starts relying on drugs or alcohol, these substances primarily affect two key brain structures:

Ventral tegmental area (VTA): This region contains neurons that influence dopamine release.⁶
Nucleus accumbens (NA): This is where dopamine is released, creating feelings of pleasure and reward.⁷

Most addictive substances either activate the VTA or directly affect dopamine levels in the NA. For example, the ethanol found in alcohol directly increases dopamine release in the NA.⁸

Changes in Brain Structure and Function

The science of addiction also reveals affects various structural and functional areas of the brain, such as:

Prefrontal cortex: Addiction alters this region, reducing neural activity and impairing decision-making abilities.⁹
Amygdala: The memory part of the brain is affected, enhancing emotional memories associated with being high and making it difficult for individuals to resist triggers.¹⁰
Glutamate release: Other parts of the brain release a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which impairs decision-making and promotes focus on immediate rewards rather than long-term consequences.¹¹

These changes help explain why addiction leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty making healthy choices despite the awareness of negative consequences.

Risk Factors for Addiction

Understanding who might be more susceptible to developing an addiction is a key aspect of prevention and early intervention.

While addiction can affect anyone, certain factors can increase an individual’s risk, including:

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in vulnerability to developing an SUD; in fact, research indicates that genetics account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of addiction.¹²

This genetic component helps explain why addiction often runs in families and why some individuals are more susceptible than others despite similar environmental exposures.

At Black Horse Health, we understand that the science of addiction includes recognizing these genetic predispositions. Our comprehensive assessment process takes family history into account when developing personalized treatment plans.

Environmental Considerations

There are several environmental factors that can increase the risk of addiction in some individuals, such as:

A chaotic home environment
Childhood abuse or neglect
Parental substance use and attitudes toward drugs
Peer influences and social pressure
Community attitudes toward substance use
Poor academic achievement

These environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions, either amplifying or mitigating risk.¹³

Mental Health Conditions

The science of addiction reveals a strong connection between mental health disorders and substance use. According to recent statistics, about 9.5 million Americans who have a SUD also have a mental illness. This co-occurrence, known as dual diagnosis, significantly complicates both conditions.¹⁴

Common co-occurring conditions include:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

At Black Horse Health, our dual diagnosis approach and rehab for mental health addresses both conditions simultaneously, recognizing that effective treatment must be holistic.

Developmental Factors and the Science of Addiction

Research shows that more than 70% of people who tried an illegal drug before the age of 13 develop an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Additionally, Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to use addictive substances.¹⁵

This often occurs because the adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control.

Any early exposure to substances can alter normal brain development, as younger brains are more susceptible to the rewarding effects of substances while being less sensitive to negative consequences.

The Role of Tolerance, Dependence, and Withdrawal

Tolerance occurs when the brain adapts to the presence of a substance, meaning it slowly starts to require larger amounts to achieve the same effect. This adaptation happens at the cellular level as the brain attempts to maintain balance despite the disruption caused by substances.

At Black Horse Health, we recognize that tolerance represents significant changes in brain function that drive the cycle of addiction. Our team is here to ensure that every client gets a tailored treatment plan that considers their specific symptoms, including the role tolerance plays on their body and brain.

Physical and Psychological Dependence

Tolerance and dependence are closely related. While tolerance means that an individual starts to need more of the substance to feel the same effects, dependence occurs when the body and brain adapt to the constant presence of a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use stops or decreases.

There are two types of dependence, which include:

Physical Dependence: The body’s physiological adaptation to a substance, resulting in physical withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
Psychological Dependence: Emotional and mental reliance on a substance to function normally or cope with stress.

Dependence represents a significant barrier to recovery that requires proper medical and psychological support to overcome.

The Withdrawal Process

Withdrawal is a complex physiological and psychological process that occurs when substance use is reduced or stopped after dependence has developed.

Withdrawal symptoms vary by substance but often include:

Physical symptoms like pain, nausea, tremors, and seizures.
Psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, irritability, and cravings.
Sleep disturbances and fatigue.
Cognitive impairments affecting concentration and decision-making.

Withdrawal can be not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous or even life-threatening for certain substances, particularly alcohol and benzodiazepines.

The Science Behind Effective Addiction Treatment Approaches

There are several therapeutic approaches that provide comprehensive treatment for the science of addiction and other symptoms.

These include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT teaches people to recognize and modify problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to substance use. It helps clients develop new life skills and strategies for coping with stress, cravings, and environmental triggers.
Motivational interviewing (MI): A client-centered counseling style that helps resolve ambivalence about change and strengthens motivation for recovery.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT helps individuals understand and manage intense emotions, improving their ability to cope with distress without turning to substance use or other harmful behaviors.

These approaches address the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction that result from changes in brain function.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

The science of addiction supports the use of medications as an important component of treatment for many substance use disorders.

Medication-assisted treatment combines behavioral therapy with medications that:

Reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Block the rewarding effects of substances.
Restore normal brain function.

For example, medications like methadone and buprenorphine are effective for opioid use disorders, while naltrexone and acamprosate can help with alcohol use disorders.

These medications can significantly improve treatment outcomes when used as part of a comprehensive approach.

Holistic and Integrative Approaches

The science of addiction increasingly recognizes the value of holistic interventions that address the whole person, not just their substance use symptoms.

Some holistic options for treatment include:

Mind-body practices: Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have been shown to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and support recovery.
Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces cravings, improves mood, and helps restore normal dopamine function.
Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for brain healing and emotional regulation.

At Black Horse Health, our approach to the science of addiction includes these evidence-based holistic practices as part of our comprehensive treatment program. We offer yoga and other integrative therapies to support whole-person healing.

How Black Horse Health Incorporates the Science of Addiction

At Black Horse Health, we apply the science of addiction to create personalized treatment plans that address each client’s unique needs.

Our approach includes:

Comprehensive assessment: We evaluate genetic factors, environmental influences, co-occurring conditions, and substance use patterns to understand the full picture of each client’s addiction.
Evidence-based protocols: Our treatment plans incorporate therapies and interventions with strong scientific support for effectiveness.
Ongoing adjustment: We continuously monitor progress and adjust treatment based on response, consistent with the understanding that addiction recovery is a dynamic process.

By grounding our approach in the science of addiction, we ensure that each client receives care that addresses the specific factors driving their SUD.

Medical Detoxification Based on the Latest Evidence

The science of addiction informs our approach to hospital detox from alcohol and other substances.

Our medical detoxification program:

Uses evidence-based protocols to manage withdrawal safely and comfortably.
Provides 24-hour medical supervision to address complications quickly.
Incorporates medications that ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Begins addressing psychological aspects of addiction even during the detoxification phase.

At Black Horse Health, our hospital detox from alcohol program follows this evidence-based model, with abstinence rates significantly higher than many other approaches.

Brain and Body Healing Through Comprehensive Care

Recovery often requires healing both brain and body. Black Horse Health’s multidisciplinary approach includes:

Brain mapping and neurofeedback: These advanced techniques help identify areas of brain dysfunction and provide targeted interventions to restore healthy function.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy: TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain, showing promising results for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Hormone testing and balancing: We address hormonal imbalances that can contribute to mood issues and cravings.

These science-based approaches complement our psychological and social interventions, creating a truly comprehensive recovery program.

Overcoming SUD With Black Horse Health

Advancements in Addiction Science

The science of addiction continues to evolve, with new discoveries expanding our understanding of how substances affect the brain.

Some recent advances include:¹⁶

Deeper understanding of neural circuits: Research is identifying specific neural pathways involved in different aspects of addiction, potentially leading to more targeted treatments.
Epigenetic factors: Scientists are discovering how substances can alter gene expression without changing DNA sequences, helping explain why addiction risk and recovery experiences vary among individuals.
Brain imaging innovations: New techniques allow researchers to observe brain activity in real-time, providing insights into how addiction develops and how recovery progresses.

Black Horse Health stays current with these advancements in the science of addiction, incorporating new findings into our treatment approaches as evidence supports their effectiveness.

Innovations in Treatment Technologies

The science of addiction is driving the development of new treatment technologies that show promise for improving recovery outcomes.

Some technological advancements include:

Digital therapeutics: App-based interventions that complement traditional treatment by providing support between sessions and collecting real-time data on cravings and triggers.
Virtual reality exposure therapy: Allows clients to practice coping skills in simulated high-risk situations within the safety of the treatment environment.
Pharmacogenetic testing: Helps identify which medications will be most effective and have the fewest side effects based on an individual’s genetic profile.

While some of these innovations are still being validated, they represent exciting directions in the science of addiction that may soon enhance treatment effectiveness.

The Future of Addiction Treatment Approaches

The science of addiction points toward several promising directions for the future of treatment as well, including:

Personalized medicine approaches: Treatment plans tailored to individual genetic, neurobiological, and psychological profiles.
Preventive interventions: Identifying and addressing risk factors before addiction develops, particularly in genetically vulnerable populations.
Long-term recovery support models: Approaches that view addiction management as a long-term process similar to other chronic conditions.
Integration of technology: Using wearable devices, smartphone applications, and telehealth to extend the reach and effectiveness of treatment.

At Black Horse Health, we remain at the forefront of these developments in the science of addiction, continuously evolving our programs to incorporate validated advances that improve outcomes for our clients.

Begin Your Recovery With Science-Based Treatment

Recovery is possible with the right support.

At Black Horse Health, we offer a path to healing based on:

Evidence-based practices: Our treatment programs incorporate therapies and interventions with strong scientific support.
Comprehensive care: We address all aspects of addiction – physical, psychological, and social.
Individualized treatment: We recognize that each person’s journey with addiction is unique and requires a personalized approach.
Ongoing support: We provide continuing care that supports long-term recovery from addiction and reduces relapse risk.

Black Horse Health's Unique Approach

What sets Black Horse Health apart is our commitment to integrating the science of addiction with compassionate, client-centered care.

Our approach features:

Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

Our team brings extensive expertise in addiction treatment and recovery support.

Trauma-Focused Programs

We address the underlying trauma that often drives substance use, using evidence-based approaches like EMDR and somatic experiencing.

Chronic Pain Program

Our holistic approach to pain management offers alternatives to medication-based treatments, including aqua therapy, massage, yoga, and other integrative therapies.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services

We provide specialized care and rehab for mental health conditions that often co-occur with addiction—fostering lasting healing through whole-person recovery.

By combining scientific knowledge with clinical expertise and a deep commitment to each client’s well-being, Black Horse Health offers a truly distinctive approach to addiction recovery.

Taking the First Step With Black Horse Health

Recovery from addiction begins with a single step—reaching out for help. At Black Horse Health, we make taking that first step as straightforward as possible by providing:

Compassionate assessment: Our initial assessment process is thorough but supportive, designed to understand your unique needs without judgment.
Clear information: We explain treatment options in straightforward language, helping you make informed decisions about your care.
Immediate support: From your first contact, you’ll find a team ready to guide you through the beginning of your recovery journey.

When you’re ready to take the first step, Black Horse Health is here to support you with science-based, compassionate care. Reach out to our team today.

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