Addictive Drugs And Alterations In The Brain
Addictive substances causes changes in the brain over time. When dependence grows, alterations in the brain make exploiters place substance above everything else.
When one becomes addicted, their brain is practically redesigned to depend on the drugs even with their effects. Situations or circumstances that relate to former substance abuse can provoke craving years later, even though the physical symptoms have stopped. This doesn't totally imply recovery isn't in reach. But therapy is a never-ending process for addicts in recovery and they must understand that. Dependence therapy is growing each day and has quickly bettered over the past years. Seek immediate assistance if you or anyone you know is having problems with an addiction.
How Addictions Evolve
Every conscious and unconscious decision humans have is due to the most complicated organ we have, the brain. Feelings, decision-making, behaviour, basic motor skills, heart and breathing rates are all controlled by the brain. If an individual consumes an addictive drug, the limbic system discharges chemicals that make the exploiter feel great. Using too much of an addictive drugs then becomes a second nature. The highly intense, involuntary desire to utilize a drug - no matter the damage it may bring - is as a result of the real alterations that have taken place in the brain reward system. The most important thing is now the desire to take the drug.
There is a section in the brain charged with addiction. This section of the brain is known as the limbic system. The system, as well referred to as the "brain reward system," is accountable for creating emotions of pleasure.
Triggering The Brain Reward System
The ill-use of addictive drugs sparks off the brain reward system. An addiction can occur when this system is habitually activated with drug use. When a person does something good for his or her wellbeing, it naturally triggers the brain reward system. This naturally helps us to change and survive. Every time something sparks off this system, the brain supposes something essential to survival is taking place. In that case, the brain rewards that activity by making one feel good.
For instance, we trigger the rewards system every time we drink water when we are feeling thirsty so we can keep performing that action again and again. Dependent substances hijack this system, leading to emotions of joy for activities that are really dangerous. Regrettably, dependent drugs have a much bigger impact on the brain reward system.
Dependency Biochemistry
A necessary role in the reward system is dopamine. It communicates with the limbic system because it resides in the brain. When presented into the reward system, substances sometime ape dopamine or lead to an excessive production of it inside the brain.
The reason usual activities that spark off the brain reward system (drinking, food, music, sex, and many more) don't reprogram the brain for dependence is due to the production of normal rates of dopamine.
The dopamine released by addictive substances can be up to 10 times more than the amount released from normal actions.
Neuroreceptors are flooded with dopamine with substance use. The intoxicating effect of alcohol and drugs is caused by the combination. The brain is no longer naturally able to make normal levels of dopamine after continues abuse. Essentially, the reward system is taken hostage by the drug.
The result is craving the substances that will bring dopamine levels back to normal. Someone in such a situation cannot have feelings of pleasure without using the substance.
Neurofeedback In Dependency
Neurofeedback is gaining footing as a treatment for addiction. It is as well referred to as Electroencephalogram (ECM) Biofeedback. Neurofeedback trains the brain to learn to function better. At the time of this procedure, the administrator of the treatment checks the brains actions through using sensors to the scalp. With this, the brain can improve its performance and make it better, the brain is then rewarded for doing that.
Underlying issues that may be leading to addiction are targeted by neurofeedback, like
- Dejected
- Being anxious
- Trauma
- Insomnia
By supporting the brain to readapt how to be without substances, neurofeedback has shown to be a really victorious dependence treatment for a good number of people. Neurofeedback is offered as part of an all round treatment plan in several recovery facilities. Find the perfect treatment centre for your needs by contacting us today on 0800 246 1509.