Addictive behavior gradually depletes the brain’s supplies of dopamine, leading to more dependence, as an infinite loop

Aside from the moral, ethical, and legal problems that may result from addictive behavior, the release of pleasurable neurotransmitters such as dopamine from substance abuse or another addictive behavior gradually depletes the brain's supply of dopamine and other pleasure neurotransmitters. This leads to an increasingly desperate dependence on the addictive substance or behavior. Over time, this leads to a catastrophic change in brain chemistry that often requires professional help to resolve. (…) Unfortunately, the rate of recidivism for addictions to drugs, gambling, and other addictive behaviors is very high, even with counseling programs. It is well known that drug addicts are considered never to be "cured" but to consider themselves "recovering addicts" indefinitely.