Substance dependency often begins as a habit, something repeated over time until it becomes a regular part of life. However, what begins as psychological reinforcement can develop into a physical dependency. Over time, both the body and brain start to expect the substance, linking it to relief from pain, improved mood, increased energy, or greater mobility.
To understand dependency, we need to explore how it changes both the brain and the body.
How the Brain Responds to Experience
The brain is shaped by both our genetic makeup and our environment. No two brains are the same, just as no two people share identical life experiences. Our personal history, perceptions and emotional responses are all unique.
Consider this example: You attend the same event with a friend – same location, same people, same music. Yet your experiences and impressions differ. This variation is due to how each of our brains processes information. Every experience, thought and emotion causes small physical and chemical changes in the brain, guiding future behaviours.
Neurotransmitters and Chemical Disruption
Every sight, sound, sensation and emotion is processed through chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. These molecules carry signals throughout the nervous system, helping the body and brain interpret and respond to internal and external stimuli.
When substances disrupt these signals—whether alcohol, nicotine, or drugs—they also disrupt the brain’s chemistry. People often use substances to relax, have fun, or disconnect from stress. However, with repeated use, the brain begins to adapt. It rewires itself to depend on the altered state produced by the substance.
As this happens, the brain starts to associate the substance with pleasure or relief. For example, if drinking alcohol becomes linked with laughter and social comfort, the brain begins to expect alcohol in similar situations. Over time, tolerance increases, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect. When the substance is suddenly removed, the brain and body struggle to function, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, emotional instability and physical pain.
Psychological and Emotional Triggers
People often turn to substances not only for pleasure but to avoid difficult emotional experiences. Life events such as divorce, grief, or illness can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. Over time, the brain learns that avoiding emotional discomfort involves using a substance, further deepening the dependency.
Chemical imbalances caused by prolonged use can contribute to anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Mood disturbances may stem from long-term sadness or from feeling overstimulated, even without a specific cause. These changes are real and physical, not just emotional reactions.
Why Withdrawal Needs Medical Support
If you’ve been using a substance regularly, stopping abruptly or going “cold turkey” can cause severe distress. The brain needs time and support to adjust to the absence of the substance it has come to rely on. Medical guidance is essential to manage this transition safely. Willpower is important, but it must be supported by a plan, understanding and professional care.
Stages of change:
Understanding the stages of change can provide insight into your journey and help you recognise where you are and where you want to go.
1. Pre-contemplative:
At this stage, the individual may not yet recognise that their behaviour is problematic. There may be confusion between what they want and what they’re doing. Defensiveness is common and change feels unnecessary.
2. Contemplative:
Here, the person begins to recognise that there is a problem but may feel uncertain about change. They may enjoy aspects of the behaviour or feel unsure about alternatives. Family involvement can be both helpful and challenging during this phase.
3. Preparing:
The individual starts to explore options, seek support and make small efforts toward change. This is a pivotal moment where the person weighs the benefits of change and begins building a plan.
4. Action:
Change is actively pursued. The person tries new strategies to stop using the substance and may experience relapse. Openness, support from others and persistence are crucial here.
5. Maintenance:
By this stage, the individual has established new habits and routines. If relapse occurs, it is seen as a temporary setback, not failure. The person often has tools and insight to move forward again.
6. Termination:
The behaviour is no longer part of the person’s life and there is no desire to return to it. There is an internal understanding of strength, resilience and clarity in decision-making.
Personal Growth Through Recovery
During the preparation and action stages, people often encounter emotional highs and lows. These experiences can lead to maturity and insight, or in some cases, cause temporary regression. When difficult experiences go unprocessed, individuals may focus on external validation such as success, wealth, or relationships, rather than addressing personal healing.
This can lead to comparison, self-doubt and the belief that others are doing better in life. Instead of repairing what’s within, attention is shifted to short-term distractions or substances that dull discomfort.
Understanding the source of these imbalances, whether guilt, resentment, fear, or pain, allows you to begin the healing process. Support from family, friends, or therapists can either reinforce your progress or, if misunderstood, create setbacks. It’s important to find guidance that aligns with your personal values and sense of worth.
Insights from Maslow
Psychologist Abraham Maslow suggested that for individuals to feel balanced and avoid inner conflict, all key areas of life must be acknowledged and fulfilled – security, relationships, creativity, purpose and self-expression. When one area is neglected, life may feel unstable, even if other areas appear successful.
A person striving for self-actualisation works to access their full potential. They seek meaning, accept their imperfections and work towards personal goals despite challenges. This state is rare, but it is possible and deeply fulfilling.
Reflective Questions for Moving Forward
What strengths, talents, or dreams might be waiting within you, just beneath the surface?
It’s completely valid if things feel uncertain. Life presents challenges, but those moments do not define your entire story.
You still have the capacity to grow, to heal and to shape a life that aligns with your values and hopes.
Take a moment to imagine:
- What would your life look like if it reflected your true priorities?
- How would it feel to start each day with a sense of purpose, clarity and direction?
You don’t need all the answers today. You only need a willingness to explore what’s possible.
Elena Eleftheriadou is an Executive Coach and Integrative Therapist with a purpose and passion to help people communicate more effectively, diminish stress and anxiety and prevent burnout to improve their work-life balance.