Drug Addiction in the Brain
There’s no debating it: addiction is a disease. Scientific studies about drug addiction in the brain ended that debate a long time ago. We now know what separates the average brain from someone who struggles with addiction. We also have more information on how to heal it.
Drug Addiction in the Brain
Some people say that addiction is a choice instead of a disease. Much like unhealthy eating habits can lead to diabetes, substance abuse can lead to addiction. At the end of the day, we know that a brain that’s developed an addiction reacts much differently when drugs are introduced. This sometimes happens due to a genetic disposition, but it can also happen when a person regularly abuses drugs.
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What studies have found is that the prefrontal cortex of the brain isn’t strong enough to make logical decisions. The limbic system generates so much dopamine that the prefrontal cortex can’t regulate it. This is like a car stuck in drive with the brake lines being cut. We also know that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for many other characteristics as well.
Why People With Addictions Act Irrationally
The prefrontal cortex is the youngest part of the brain, and it doesn’t fully develop until later in life. For many people, the full maturity of this part of the brain doesn’t happen until the late 20s or early 30s. Drug addiction in the brain at a young age hinder the growth of this part of the brain as well. This part of the brain has a variety of different responsibilities including:
- Emotional regulation
- Impulse control
- Attunement
- Empathy
- Fear modulation
When people develop an addiction, the disease changes how they think. They have difficulty regulating their emotions and have poor impulse control, so these people can become verbally abusive. They may lack empathy, which makes them incapable of fully understanding how they’re affecting their loved ones. This is why addiction recovery involves a variety of different therapies at drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers.
Overcoming Addiction at Serenity Lodge
Serenity Lodge is an all-male facility located on 22-acres of land in beautiful Southern California. We specialize in treating men of all ages who have been struggling with the disease of addiction. We understand how addiction affects the mind, and we use evidence-based methods to help you begin healing. You’ll start to see in treatment that you’re not a bad person, but you do need help.
Our facility is filled with a variety of different amenities to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible. This is going to help you relax and focus on yourself and your personal healing process in treatment. We also offer the following addiction treatment programs:
- 12-Step program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Relapse prevention
Don’t wait another moment to get help. Call us today at (855) 932-4045.
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