The neurobiology of addictive disorders

This paper recently published in the journal Clinical Neuropharmacology discusses some of the factors that are considered in a functional medicine approach to addiction. The authors state, "The addictive process can be examined by looking at the biological basis of substance initiation to the progression of substance abuse to dependence to the enduring risk of relapse. Critical neurotransmitters and neurocircuits underlie the pathological changes at each of these stages." Other factors of neuronal health including membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, oxygen saturation, chronic inflammation and oxidative damage, hormonal milieu, etc. along with the brain's ability to satisfy its needs for neurotransmitter signalling are among the fundamentals that must be considered for the best outcome. The authors conclude, "Understanding the neurobiology of the addictive process allows for a theoretical psychopharmacological approach to treating addictive disorders, one that takes into account biological interventions aimed at particular stages of the illness."