Whether an addict is compulsively using a substance, like alcohol or crack, or compulsively using a mood altering behavior, like stealing, shopping or food binge, their usage is changing the function and structure of their brain.

The brain sends, receives, and processing information using bio-chemicals called neurotransmitters. Compulsive substance use and mood altering behavior can disrupt the brain by 1) mimicking the function of a neurotransmitter or 2) overstimulating the nerve cell to produce excess amounts of neurotransmitters.

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