Addiction is often misunderstood as a failure of willpower or morality. But science tells a very different story. Addiction is a chronic brain disease—one that fundamentally alters how the brain works. Dr. Holly Geyer, an addiction medicine specialist from the Mayo Clinic, offers a powerful explanation rooted in neuroscience and evidence-based treatment.
Dopamine: The Brain’s Natural Reinforcer
Every time we experience something pleasurable—hugging a loved one, enjoying a good meal, laughing—our brain releases a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behaviors by giving us a small burst of pleasure and motivation to do it again.
But drugs like opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine short-circuit this system.
Dr. Geyer explains, “These drugs lead to severe increases in dopamine levels—well beyond what the average person could ever accomplish through everyday activities.” While eating dessert might raise dopamine by 100%, drugs can spike it by over 1,000%. This extreme surge hijacks the brain’s reward pathway.
Brain Remodeling and the Loss of Joy
With repeated drug use, the brain starts to physically change. Connections between parts of the brain responsible for fear, reward-seeking, impulse control, and memory become overdeveloped—“two-lane roads turning into four-lane freeways,” as Dr. Geyer puts it.
Over time, dopamine receptors become burned out. This means even natural rewards—like hugging your child or hearing a favorite song—stop triggering any pleasure.
This is why addiction is so hard to overcome. It’s not about desire—it’s about biology. The brain loses its ability to feel joy or reward from anything other than the drug.
How RockBridge Treatment & Recovery Can Help
At RockBridge Treatment & Recovery, you can get help for your addiction without stepping away from your life. We help accommodate your busy schedule, so you can be there for the moments that matter most.
Here’s how our treatment program will make you feel at home:
- Living Spaces: Spacious rooms with all the comforts of home, including cozy indoor and outdoor seating, access to Wifi and bright open windows to the beauty that surrounds every building.
- Comfortable Detox: Medically assisted detox that will help you through the toughest moments with peace and calm.
- Ongoing Medical Support: Our nursing and medical staff are here whenever you need them, and psychiatric services are available throughout your stay.
- Substance Use Disorder Support: Whether you need help with alcohol, opiates, stimulants, or relapse prevention, we’ve got you covered with tailored support groups.
- Chapel Services: Join us for morning chapel services during the week and Sunday church services, either streamed or off-site, to nourish your spirit.
- Education Groups: designed to deepen your understanding of recovery, co-occurring disorders, and health and wellness:
- Recovery and Co-occurring Disorders: Gain insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health conditions.
- Spiritual and Physical Health: Learn how spiritual practices and physical wellness can support your recovery.
- Fun & Relaxing Activities: Enjoy lakefront outings, local park adventures, grilling, lawn games, fitness center, pickleball, hiking, and more. We have a 80-acre property full of ways to unwind and recharge.
Start Your Journey Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is help—and it can start today. RockBridge Treatment & Recovery offers compassionate, evidence-based care designed to stabilize, heal, and prepare for long-term success.
Call us today at 844-815-7625 to begin the journey toward lasting freedom.