Addiction is a complex condition, often misunderstood and heavily stigmatized within African communities. It’s not a simple lack of willpower or morals. It is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive behaviours or substance abuse despite harmful consequences. 

As someone dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and the communities around them, I believe understanding how addiction begins is the first crucial step toward healing and success.

The Brain’s Role: The Pleasure Pathway

At its core, addiction is a hijacking of the brain’s natural reward system. Our brains are set up to produce a chemical called dopamine when we do things that benefit us, like eating well, achieving our goals, or exercising. Addiction hijacks this process. 

The Initial ‘High’

When a person first uses an addictive substance (like drugs, alcohol, or nicotine) or engages in a compulsive behavior (like gambling or excessive eating), the brain releases a massive surge of dopamine. This dopamine release is far greater than what is produced by natural rewards like food, sex, or social interaction. This creates an intense feeling of pleasure or euphoria, which the brain interprets as something vital for survival.

Rewiring the Reward Circuit

With repeated use, the brain begins to adapt to these unnaturally high levels of dopamine. To try and achieve balance, the brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors or decreases the amount of dopamine it naturally produces. This has two major consequences:

1. Tolerance: The person needs more of the substance or activity to achieve the original “high” they first experienced.
2. Anhedonia: Natural rewards become less pleasurable, leaving the individual feeling flat or depressed when they are not using.

At this point, the individual is often no longer using to feel good, but rather to feel normal and avoid the painful symptoms of withdrawal or emotional distress. This transition from voluntary use to compulsive need marks the onset of addiction.

This is all about how addiction works, but why it does it happen? Why do people start to use at all? 

The Interplay of Risk Factors

While the brain changes are universal, not everyone who uses a substance becomes addicted. The path to addiction is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Biological and Genetic Predisposition

Genetics play a significant role. If addiction runs in a family, an individual has a higher likelihood of developing an addiction themselves. Certain genes can affect how a person’s body processes substances or how sensitive their brain’s reward system is. 

A common example of this is with alcoholism, which often runs in families. Children of an alcoholic parent are at a higher risk of suffering from alcoholism themselves. 

Risk Factor Category	Specific Examples
Genetic	Family history of substance use disorder, inherited metabolism rate of certain drugs.
Developmental	Early age of first use (the brain is more vulnerable to damage during adolescence).

Environmental and Social Influences

The world around an individual can heavily influence their vulnerability to addiction.

• Trauma and Stress: Experiencing trauma (especially in childhood), chronic stress, or abuse is a powerful risk factor. Substances can be used as a coping mechanism to numb pain or manage overwhelming emotions.
• Social Environment: Lack of parental supervision, peer pressure, or living in a community where substance use is normalized or easily accessible significantly increases risk.
• Socioeconomic Status: Poverty, lack of opportunity, or social isolation can fuel feelings of hopelessness, making the escape offered by substances more appealing.

Mental Health and Co-occurring Disorders

It is extremely common for addiction to happen alongside other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, or PTSD. This is often referred to as a “dual diagnosis.”

• Self-Medication: Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms of an underlying mental illness. While this provides temporary relief, it ultimately exacerbates the mental health disorder and strengthens the addictive cycle.
• Vulnerability: The mental illness itself can make the person more vulnerable to the brain changes associated with addiction.

The Empathy We Need: Shifting the Perspective

Understanding the pathway to addiction compels us to move away from judgment and toward compassion. When we realize that addiction stems from fundamental changes in brain chemistry, intertwined with genetics and powerful environmental stressors, we can see the person struggling for what they are: someone deeply hurting and in need of specialized, empathetic care and community support. 

For those in the grip of addiction, please know: this journey is difficult, but NEVER hopeless. Your past choices do not define your potential for recovery. The brain can heal, and with treatment, support, and dedication, you can reclaim your life. Recovery is possible. It is never too late to start!

Visit the Mwangaza wa Sunday addiction recovery directory to find someone who can help you start your recovery today. 

Not sure where to start? Get in touch today and tap into the support you need from a community who understands what you’re going through.