The Science of Addiction: Understanding Endorphins and Their Role in Alcohol Use

Bruce Rose

Published on: 27/06/2025

Understanding the science of addiction is crucial for anyone on the path to recovery or supporting a loved one through it. At the core of addiction lies a powerful biochemical mechanism driven by the brain’s natural reward system—most notably, endorphins. These feel-good chemicals play a pivotal role in reinforcing behaviours, and when substances like alcohol exploit this system, the result can be a cycle that’s difficult to break.