Serotonin, often labeled the feel-good hormone, is responsible for mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Studies suggest that an imbalance in serotonin levels may influence impulsive and addictive behaviors, making individuals more vulnerable to drug or alcohol addiction.
Understanding Serotonin: The Feel-Good Chemical
Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a hormone and neurotransmitter in the brain. The feel-good chemical is central to cognitive function, including learning abilities and memory. Serotonin influences feelings of happiness, well-being, sexual desire, mood, sleep, and appetite.
Several different types of prescription medications and illicit substances interfere with the production of serotonin. Serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan, an essential amino acid obtained through diet.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a commonly prescribed type of antidepressant medication. SSRIs are often the first line of treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. These medications work by elevating serotonin levels to improve symptoms such as low mood, reduced appetite, and irregular sleep patterns.
Other drugs that can interfere with serotonin production are MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, alcohol, opioids, amphetamines, and methamphetamines. Opioid drugs, both illicit and prescription, can interfere with other medications, such as antidepressants, resulting in serotonin syndrome.
The Link Between Serotonin and Addiction
Dopamine, one of the feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters produced by substances, has been widely discussed for reinforcing drug use. The release of dopamine from drug use creates feelings of pleasure and euphoria, activating the brain’s reward system.
Serotonin’s role in addiction can be attributed to its influence on the brain’s reward pathways, mood regulation, and impulsivity. Serotonin carries messages between nerve cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and throughout the peripheral nervous system.
Modulating Mood and Anxiety
When certain substances, such as LSD, opioids, or alcohol, are consumed, individuals may experience increased serotonin production. Certain substances trigger the serotonin receptors in the brain, releasing feelings of calm and happiness. Low serotonin levels are often associated with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which many individuals may seek out drugs to cope with.
The feel-good side effects of substance use are often what drives people to continue using them for relief. Recurrent substance use is what triggers the development of drug dependence, addiction, and, eventually, a substance use disorder (SUD).
Influencing Reward Pathways
While dopamine is directly linked to the brain’s reward circuit, serotonin interacts with the reward pathways. Methamphetamine or opioid use can trigger serotonin production, potentially increasing the effects of dopamine. Dopamine plays a central role in the euphoria experienced during substance use, contributing to enhanced feelings of euphoria when released.
Impact on Impulsivity
Addictive behaviors and drug relapse have been heavily associated with a lack of impulse control. Individuals with high levels of impulsivity are more susceptible to developing an addiction or substance use disorder (SUD).
Serotonin receptors play a significant role in balancing certain aspects of impulse control and decision-making. Lower levels of serotonin can facilitate impulsive behaviors, heightening the risk of drug-seeking and addictive activities.
Serotonin Receptor Variations
Alcohol (ethanol) elevates serotonin levels in multiple brain regions, including the amygdala and hippocampus. Chronic alcohol use stimulates these 5-HT receptors rather than inhibiting them, reinforcing alcohol use and dependence. Individuals who struggle with alcohol or drug dependence often have variations in serotonin receptors. Different serotonin receptor subtypes may influence the relationship between impulsivity, serotonin, and addiction.
Serotonin and Withdrawal Symptoms
Serotonin imbalance can trigger withdrawal symptoms in those with a drug or alcohol dependence. A drop in serotonin levels during withdrawal from opioids or alcohol can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression. The withdrawal process is often what sends individuals back to substance abuse to curb the symptoms, reinforcing this vicious cycle of addiction.
Pharmacological Treatments in Drug Rehab
The complex relationship between serotonin and addiction has led to the development of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in drug rehabilitation. Pharmacological treatments in drug detox help stabilize serotonin levels while patients are going through the detox and withdrawal process.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medication that can be useful in medical detox for patients with mental health disorders.
Dual-diagnosis treatments are offered in drug and alcohol rehab for individuals with co-occurring disorders. A co-occurring disorder is when an individual has a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental illness simultaneously.
Boosting Serotonin in Holistic Addiction Treatment Programs
Serotonin imbalances are not uncommon in patients struggling with addiction or substance use disorders (SUDs). Holistic detox and addiction treatment programs take an innovative approach to addiction recovery. These programs integrate nutrition, physical activity, psychotherapies, and holistic practices to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Nutritional Support
Holistic detox programs at Coastal Detox understand nutrition’s role in mental health. Our programs ensure patients have a balanced diet to foster good physical and psychological health in drug rehab.
Physical Exercise
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs that take a holistic approach integrate physical exercise to keep patients active and simulated. Physical activity in drug rehab is a natural mood booster, triggering the release of serotonin and dopamine. Staying active in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse can help lower stress and stabilize mood.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies in addiction recovery help patients struggling with mental health and substance abuse. CBT techniques provide patients with problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms for long-term recovery. Behavioral therapies and psychotherapies in drug rehab address the psychological aspects contributing to addictive tendencies, such as serotonin imbalances.
Holistic Practices
At Coastal Detox, our drug detox facility in Stuart, FL, our holistic therapies and techniques cater to each individual. Holistic practices aim to treat the individual as a whole—mind, body, and soul.
Stress management techniques, mindfulness, yoga, and massage therapy are all holistic treatments that can increase serotonin levels. Holistic therapies in addiction treatment ensure patients receive holistic healing for a successful and long-lasting recovery.
Coastal is here to help. Reach out today for more information on our holistic drug detox programs in Stuart, FL.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic, 2022. Serotonin.
- Mayo Clinic, 2019. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2016. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about several safety issues with opioid pain medicines; requires label changes.
- Neuropharmacology, 2012. Contributions of Serotonin in Addiction Vulnerability.
- Harvard Health Publishing, 2024. Feel-good hormones: How they affect your mind, mood, and body.
- GoodRx Health, 2021. How Are Serotonin Syndrome and Substance Use Connected?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.
- Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2021. The Brain’s Reward System in Health and Disease.
- Healthline, 2024. 10 Ways to Boost Serotonin Naturally and Without Medication.
- WebMD, 2023. How Exercise Can Help With Addiction Recovery.
- Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2010. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.