Addiction is a chronic brain disease in which a person is unable to stop using a substance
or conducting a certain behavior. This occurs even when the user knows their actions are causing
destruction and harm. Most addicts know what the consequences of their actions are, but usually
their drug holds a very intense power over them. Drug use changes the user’s cognitive functions.
Memory, reasoning, and impulse control are damaged in addiction.
Addiction changes memory. People associate things with their addiction. The user will
connect their drug use to things like the environment, certain people, and emotions. These things
are also known as triggers. For example, if an addict does their drug every time they party, they
will begin to identify partying with the use of their drug. If someone does their drug when they
feel sad, when they become emotionally triggered, they will relate sadness with their addiction.
These connections are not instant but are instead created over time. As the addiction continues,
the person will form more triggers, causing the drug to become more controlling (Torregrossa &
Taylor, 2013).
An addict has impaired reasoning skills. A brain affected by drug use amplifies things
like stress and negative feelings, and it turns them into cues. These cues do not allow the brain to
fully process information in a reasonable way. Once the addict forms and adapts to their triggers,
it is extremely difficult for them to become free. Logic and judgements are forced to take the
backseat to their addiction. This makes it hard for the person to make well-considered decisions
(Liu et al., 2025). Unfortunately, these things lead to poor choices concerning drug use and other
parts of the addict’s life.
Impulse control is near impossible in addiction. The brain idolizes the idea of desires. An
addict could encounter a triggering sight or smell, and the brain would then rely on the
associations made over time, leading the person into a state of yearning where the user will have
very powerful urges that temporarily control and dominate their normal thinking (Robinson &
Berridge, 2003). Their goals of health and sobriety will be completely squashed due to the
distraction and authority these urges have. As time goes on and more triggers are created, the
addict will begin to have them more frequently or intensely, ultimately leading to failure.
Addiction is an awful and elaborate brain condition, but understanding its effects on
memory, reasoning, and impulse control is important so positive solutions can be created.
Communities could support all people by providing information and education on this subject,
reducing the absolute negative marking that is often put on addiction, and attempting to make
treatment attainable. Individuals should continue to study and research addiction in an attempt to
find coping mechanisms. Society needs a softer heart. Many people fall extremely far into
addiction before they realize how difficult it truly is to escape.
Written by Bella L. Colsson
Weatherford College
October 2025