Microbiota and addictions: what if the intestine held the key to relapses?

1.0 A New Look at Addiction

What if willpower wasn't the only lever to overcome an addiction?
Contemporary research reveals a forgotten biological actor: the gut microbiota . This ecosystem is home to more than 100 trillion microorganisms, and profoundly influences our mood , our stress tolerance , our immunity , and… our compulsive behaviors .

A study published in Nature Microbiology (2019) demonstrated that mice deprived of microbiota developed hypersensitivity to stress and an amplified response to addictive substances.

2.0 The Gut-Brain Connection

The microbiota communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve , and modulates the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine , serotonin and GABA .
When it is unbalanced ( dysbiosis ), the brain receives disturbed signals, which affect the management of emotions and impulsive desires .

A systematic review ( Current Neuropharmacology , 2020) suggests that alterations in the microbiota may influence dopaminergic systems, essential in the reward and craving circuit.

3.0 When the intestine promotes relapse

Certain bacterial strains are associated with addictive behaviors:

• ↑ Proteobacteria → increased production of LPS (inflammatory toxins)

• ↓ Akkermansia muciniphila → weakening of the intestinal barrier

• ↓ Lactobacillus → decreased GABA production, increased anxiety

A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022) observed altered microbial profiles in alcohol-dependent patients, with a marked loss of bacterial diversity.

4.0 A personalized approach

Microbiota analysis allows a functional approach to addiction.
Adapting diet (fiber, polyphenols, probiotics), supplementation (postbiotics, glutamine, zinc), and lifestyle can:

• Restore the intestinal barrier

• Reduce low-grade inflammation

• Reduce cravings

• Strengthening emotional resilience

  • Viome , BiomeFx and Atlas Microbiome now offer publicly available tests to map your microbiota.

5.0 Conclusion

Rather than blaming willpower, what if we considered addiction as a signal of a terrain that needs to be rebalanced?
Healing the gut also means healing behavior.
The microbiota could well become a pillar of future addiction therapies.

“You are not what you eat. You are what your gut buddies digest.” – Dr. Steven R. Gundry