You already know how substance abuse affects your body. There’s a good chance that deteriorating health is one of the reasons why you want to seek help. However, there’s also a connection between addiction and the brain. Targeted rehab makes it possible to heal physically as well as psychologically.
Drugs Change Your Brain Chemistry
Incidentally, that’s how they cement their hold on you. It causes you to keep using even though there are more and more negative consequences. In fact, you’ll spend your last dollar on a fix even if it means not eating or feeding your family. How do they do it?
Reinforcing Addiction and the Brain Changes that Make it Possible
Drugs target the brain’s reward center. It releases feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Typically, this only happens when you eat good food or exercise. But drugs override the performance and reward setup.
They artificially trigger a dopamine glut. You now have feelings of pleasure after taking a substance. Reinforcement of the activity is quick and long-lasting. It feels good, and you want to do it again.
The more you abuse the drug that makes you feel this way, the more it connects with the brain’s structure. In many cases, the brain chemistry changes and now allows for the release of dopamine only when the drug is present. Without the drug, you suffer depression, anxiety, and an inability to experience pleasure. Your brain now alerts you that you’re missing a necessary component to its functioning by reacting with withdrawal symptoms.
Dealing with an Addiction
You went from liking the way a drug made you feel to craving its effects. Although your body will regain equilibrium if you withhold the substance, that’s not what it tells you. It communicates that it needs the drug to survive. Your mind says that you won’t be able to function normally unless you keep using.
Therapists at Pennsylvania addiction recovery services understand what you’re going through. They can assist you in overcoming psychological dependency. After meeting with you and discussing your situation, they’ll create an individualized treatment protocol. Examples of therapeutic approaches include:
- Cognitive-behavioral treatment, which assists with pattern recognition in thoughts, feelings, and actions
- Dialectical behavioral therapy that allows you to gain greater control over your emotional responses
- Trauma treatment, which helps you overcome unresolved situations from the past
- Dual diagnosis treatment that benefits program participants who’re struggling with mental health challenges
- Group and individual addiction therapy services for substance abuse education, goal-setting, and relapse prevention
Another significant aspect of recovery is family involvement. In the course of multiple sessions, you explore healthy ways of communicating and interacting. You reevaluate roles and allow for healing to take place. In return, your loved ones become your support network.
Exploring Opportunities for Healing at Steps to Recovery
You don’t have to keep using. When you’re ready to quit, caring therapists want to assist. At Steps to Recovery, experts understand the connection between addiction and the brain. Call 866-488-8684 now to reserve your spot in the program.
