Because I have close friends and family that are alcoholics and addicts, I have learned that addiction is more than just a lack of self-will, laziness, unruly or uncaring. There is real, fact-based science behind it. It is a three-part disease; physical, mental, and spiritual. Any program that does not address all of them, reduces the chances in finding complete freedom from the bondage of addiction.
So, from a scientific part of the disease, we know that the part of the brain that causes addiction is called the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, also sometimes called the brain’s reward circuit.
Instead of a simple, pleasurable surge of dopamine, some drugs have such a gratifying experience that their brain immediately remembers this surge, associates it with the addictive substance, and demands more. Most notably, the following three directly cause an outpouring of dopamine to the reward pathway, making them highly addictive and ultimately abused:
- Opioids
- Cocaine
- Nicotine
Add to that, the drugs listed above flood the brain with dopamine at a rate of ten times more than a natural reward. Hence making it almost impossible for the sufferer to break free and create new neuropathways.
Furthermore, as chronic pain continues to affect my work life, it causes concern for affordable, non-addictive medications that help me to continue to be productive at my desk job as a writer. Personally, I am not a fan of habit-forming medications because of the addiction risks, but I have been willing to take my healthcare team’s suggestions of implementing the following regimen with non-addictive medication and movement:
- Gabapentin (for the sciatica nerve pain)
- Flexeril (for relaxing tight and spasming muscles)
- Acetaminophen (for pain)
- Cannabis edibles with THCA, CBD, and THC (for inflammation – I prefer this holistic approach as it doesn’t upset my stomach or cause chronic heartburn) There are debates on whether it is addictive or not, so always talk to your physicians first.
- Muscle pain patches and creams
- Epsom salt baths (when I can get my teenagers to clean the tub!)
- Icing
- Heat
- Gentle stretching
- Simple walking
- Rest
- Easy does it!
Be sure to discuss everything with a physician first and get all the testing required before making any rash decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice.
What is the relationship between the brain and addiction?
Alcohol, for example, affects the brain by decreasing its activity in the frontal lobe, which is responsible for decision-making, rendering it harder for people to resist the urge to drink. At the same time, alcohol increases dopamine levels in the reward pathway. This creates a powerful reward in the brain that reinforces drinking behavior. And again, the sufferer is stuck in a merry-go-round situation, unable to get off without help.
Also affected by stress-related hormones is the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, like cortisol. These hormones can increase dopamine levels, making it even more challenging to resist the urge to pick up over and over again. This is especially true for people who have experienced trauma or chronic stress, as they may seek out drugs to reduce their stress levels temporarily, hence relieving their pain.
Another part of the brain affected by addiction is the prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain responsible for judgment and decision-making. When someone is addicted to a substance, the prefrontal cortex cannot make sound decisions, so it can be hard to resist the urge to use, even when the terrible consequences are known.
Addiction also affects the amygdala, the brain area responsible for fear and stress. This area can become overactive due to substance abuse. This can cause an individual to become overly sensitive to triggers, making it even more difficult to resist the urge to use or drink.
Most addicts that have worked a good program that addresses all three areas of their disease find out after much work that most of their problems were fear-based. And unrealistic fears at that! After being clean for a while, they learn to recognize and uncover that most of their fears are an illusion. Their disease created an illusion they no longer have to carry around in recovery. They learn to let it go and accept life on life’s terms.
What are 3 methods shown to improve neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to new experiences or learning. Therefore, it is an integral part of the recovery process. Many methods are used to improve neuroplasticity. Here are three of them:
- Connection: When connecting with other addicts and being of service to each other, addicts can create new neuropathways in the brain. When we are connected with others, primarily those that share a common problem, we are more likely to experience healthy emotions and behaviors for recovery.
For example, one popular recovery book states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking (using) as intensive work with other alcoholics…You can help when no one else can,”. Basically, they say that when one alcoholic shares with another, talking about experiences and strategies for coping with addiction, they build a sense of community and understanding – creating fertile ground for recovery.
In addition, helping other addicts gives a sense of hope, purpose, and belonging, which also creates new pathways in the brain. Ultimately, connecting and helping other addicts can create new neuropathways that benefit recovery.
- Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet is essential for the brain to function properly and to maintain neuroplasticity. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help the brain stay healthy and flexible.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This practice is beneficial in helping to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Practicing mindfulness also helps improve neuroplasticity.
These are just a few methods used to improve neuroplasticity in recovery from drugs. Other methods include:
- Cognitive therapy
- Meditation
- Exercise
All of these methods can help to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and improve overall wellness.
It is important to remember that neuroplasticity is a process that takes time and effort to develop. Therefore, it is essential to be patient and consistent with yourself as well as patient with any method or combination thereof you choose.
How does addiction affect the brain
Addiction deeply alters brain structures and functions, making recovery challenging. Understanding its impact highlights the need for comprehensive approaches addressing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects to foster lasting change and neuroplasticity.