Addiction severely alters the brain’s structure and reward system. When navigating relationships with an addict, it’s important to understand what is going on in the brain and how it might impact actions.
This article takes a deeper look at the chemical changes in the brain and how it affects the way an addict thinks.
How Does Addiction Affect the Brain?
There are several ways addiction negatively impacts the brain.
- Dopamine Imbalance: When an addict uses a substance, there is a surge of dopamine that surpasses natural levels. This imbalance triggers the addiction cycle and hijacks the brain’s reward system.
- Rewiring: As substance use is repeated, nerve pathways are rewired to shift motivation toward using the substance again. The reward system focuses on the substance, while natural pathways to prior interests are weakened.
- Tolerance: After a while, the brain adjusts to the rush of dopamine and learns to tolerate it. When this happens, the addict needs to use the substance more frequently in order to feel the same effects.
These physical and chemical changes in the brain keep the addict stuck and make breaking the cycle incredibly difficult. Without professional help, it is nearly impossible to stop using substances at this stage in the addiction.
What Part of the Brain is Affected When Using Drugs?
The effects of addiction usually happen in three major parts of the brain.
- Brain Stem: Certain substances like opioids or alcohol can affect the brain stem and weaken breathing, leading to a lack of oxygen and risk of brain damage.
- Limbic System: Commonly known as the brain’s reward system, this area of the brain handles memory, motivation, and emotion. When substance use hijacks this system, a vicious cycle ensues.
- Cerebral Cortex: This is the region that is responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Over time, pathways between this area and the reward system are weakened to the point where judgment is severely impaired.
Does an Addict’s Brain Look Different?
According to brain imaging studies, an addict’s brain has visible differences when compared to a non-addict’s brain.
These scans reveal that addiction can lead to a reduction in white and gray matter in several areas of the brain, most commonly occurring in the prefrontal cortex. These physical changes significantly affect self-control and decision-making.
Even with major changes to the brain, a recovered addict can heal their brain and rewire it over time. This process requires continued abstinence and professional treatment.
What are the Mental Effects of Addiction?
Because of physical and chemical changes in the brain, addiction creates a range of mental effects and co-occurring disorders.
Negative effects can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
These disorders significantly impact relationships, work, school, and everyday life. When compounded with addiction, it creates a mental atmosphere that encourages substance use and dampens the desire to stop.
How Does Addiction Affect Relationships?
Because of the addict’s impaired judgment and emotional regulation, relationships can quickly turn toxic and, in some cases, abusive.
Most addicts will try to hide their addiction, resulting in isolation and emotional distance. This tension inevitably puts strain on relationships and opens doors to codependency, chronic stress, and verbal or physical abuse.
Living with an addict isn’t something anyone can manage for long. It’s important to seek professional help and do the best thing for you and your loved one. Enabling the addiction will only lead to more hurt.
How Long Does It Take For Brain Chemistry to Return to Normal After Alcohol?
Brain chemistry itself typically starts normalizing after a few weeks, but significant physical changes take years to repair.
Expected changes can include:
- Short-term: Reduced irritability and mood swings, better sleep, and balancing dopamine levels are all common changes within the first few weeks of sobriety.
- Long-term: After several months, you can expect improved memory and focus as well as reduced cravings. Rebuilding neural pathways and gray matter in the brain can take several years.
As an addict moves into long-term sobriety, the brain’s neuroplasticity strengthens and allows for deep cognitive restoration. Because of the brain’s unique ability to heal, changes due to addiction don’t have to be permanent.
Addiction Treatment at Desert Recovery Centers
Addiction impacts critical brain functions and inhibits an addict’s ability to quit. That is why professional intervention and treatment are necessary for lasting change.
At Desert Recovery Centers, our licensed therapists work with you to find the root of your addiction and heal from the inside out. If you or your loved one is ready to take the first step to recovery, contact us today.
