To many, the word addiction is only used for losers. It is a direct implication that an individual is lazy, weak-willed or has questionable morals. This is simply not the case. Our brain's job is to process information; it is the command center of the body. But, it has to have the right neurochemicals to function properly. These neurochemicals are made from the foods we eat (or drink), the nutritional supplements we take, and the process of synthesis. (How the body forms the elements necessary for use by the body and brain.) When our brain is functioning as it was created to function, it has the correct balance of neurons for sending and receiving, and the reuptake process works as it should. Everything is balanced and harmonious.

But, the brain is very frugal and will not expend the time or energy to internally produce a chemical that it does not perceive it needs to produce. Therefore, if necessary chemicals are provided externally (by whatever source or activity), the brain will not only allow this, it will grow to depend on the external chemical source. The brain does not distinguish bad chemicals from good chemicals, or bad chemical sources from good chemical sources. It only knows chemicals. Chemical sources can be from prescription drugs used wisely, or unwisely, street drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, etc. Neurochemicals are also produced or depleted through certain activities. (See The Pursuit of Normalcy)

Physical dependence develops when an individual is exposed to an external chemical source at a high enough dose for long enough that the body adapts and develops a tolerance for the [drug]. This means that higher doses are needed to achieve a drug's original effects. If higher doses are not provided, or if the patient decreases or stops taking the drug altogether, uncomfortable symptoms associated with the chemical withdrawal will occur.

Psychological dependence, a belief that a drug or behavior is necessary to feel normal, can also develop. As more and more of the external source is supplied the brain's function becomes dependent on that external source for function, and an actual belief that this "helps" is in place. We actually believe that we are "better" with the drug or behavior than without it and the external source is what is helping us. Brain chemistry has no value system; it does not know right from wrong, good from bad, only chemical balance.

Craving is the result of the brain imprinting a pleasurable, even euphoric, memory in association with the external use of a particular chemical or behavior. The subconscious memory then motivates the individual to seek this same source because of the false imprint. The brain, in effect, has been trained that using external source is the fastest way to achieve that euphoric feeling. This learning process then produces a new appetite or drive to seek the source of that wonderful feeling. An addiction has developed.

This craving or addiction is most often activated by a memory of pleasure. When we feel unhappy, our brain will flash a picture for us of the last time we felt happy. It will show us exactly where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing (eating, ingesting, drinking, smoking, viewing, etc.) to feel that rush of enjoyment or gratification.

Because the brain has sensed that a certain chemical is being supplied externally (from whatever source), it will shut down its internal production of that chemical. Therefore, when the chemical is needed, the brain activates the slide show.

Also, when we are in a situation with people or places in which a previous activity or pattern of drug use has been established, those desires to "feel good" will return with a vengeance - slide show re-runs in living color.

Addictions are chemical complications brought on by a number of things. Decisions that have been made, knowingly or unknowingly, that cause our brain to stop internally producing crucial neurochemicals that are foundational.

If chemical cravings and dependencies are left unchecked, people, places, activities and lifestyles that once brought normal pleasures, suddenly do not fit in with the drug use or unacceptable behavior. Often the heavy drug user will actually come to resent people or lifestyles that do not fit in with that drug use. A dependence on the immediate, fast, predictable chemical source has developed. The brain has shut down its internal production in favor of the external source it has been provided.

Addictive behaviors or substances mimic the action of chemicals the brain produces to send messages of pleasure to the brain's reward center and produce an artificial feeling of pleasure by chemically acting like certain normal brain messenger chemicals (neurotransmitters). Interests in and the motivation to make life's normal rewards work are "short circuited".

The neurotransmitters that are generally affected are the opioids, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA and serotonin.

It is imperative that responsible steps be taken to provide the brain with the fuel to once again make the neurochemicals internally. As internal production returns to normal, the cravings for external sources will become more manageable and may subside altogether for many.

The best way to accomplish this is to make the lifestyle changes you can (e.g. develop new friendships), improve diet and exercise routines, drink plenty of water and take nutritional supplements that contain vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Amino acids are the precursors for building neurochemicals naturally.