The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing, brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Structural and functional changes occur in the brain due to drug use.

Drugs affect brain chemistry through a complex system. The effects of dopamine lie at the center of this process. There are several receptors in the brain, known as dopamine receptors. Drugs have been shown to damage these dopamine receptors in the brain.

The disruption in dopamine from using drugs can, therefore, corrupt the messages sent to different parts of the brain. Due to this, there can be an alteration in decision making, learning, behaviors, and the reward system.

Some substances that people can become addicted to include alcohol, bath salts, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium), cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, K2, kratom, methamphetamines, nicotine, and opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone). Non-substances which individuals may struggle with include video games, internet, pornography, excessive masturbation, sex, gambling, and others. To address these, AddictionBlueprint provides various options for addiction treatment in Frisco, Texas.