India, Aug. 20 -- Many people mistakenly think that overcoming addiction only requires willpower. If someone wants to stop using alcohol or drugs, the thinking goes, they should be able to do so. Neuroscience tells us a different story. Repeated use of alcohol or drugs can alter the brain's reward pathways, affecting the way it processes motivation, pleasure, and emotional regulation.

Over time, experiences that once generated a natural sense of reward may feel less satisfying, while cravings and compulsive behaviors can become increasingly difficult to manage. "This is why early recovery can be challenging," Counselling Psychologist Sarah Hatwalne, Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness, Mumbai, tells Health Shots. It is not necessarily a refle...