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.

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions. In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust. Subject expertise With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.
“Evidence-based therapeutic interventions, combined with practices that support physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, can help individuals navigate the recovery journey more sustainably,” says the expert. (Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

