“Everyone engages in addictive behaviours to some level because such things as drugs, sex, drinking, and eating are important for survival and highly reinforcing, says G. Marlatt. Addiction is defined as not having control over activities or using somethings to the points where it could be harmful to you its is most commonly associated with drug abuse but the definition can be extended to include gambling, work or sex can be lead to harmful destructive addiction.
Now understanding the Brains of affected people, we can see the addiction actually changes the brain structure in way that can alter the way it work & process information to understand the way that this might impact their choices & behaviour we need to start thinking about rewards. The chemical compounds in alcohol, nicotine and opioids enter the bloodstream. Once the chemical enters the brain it causes people to lose control or crave for a substance. Drugs mostly affect the three areas of brain-The Limbic System. The Cerebral Cortex and Brain Stem. Deep in the brain sets the rewards pathway a neuronal pathway connects cluster of neurons from different areas of brain in highly organised way also know as mesolimbic pathway. The rewards pathway primary functions are to reinforce sets of behaviour.
Dopamine is knowing the “feel good” chemical in the brain. Dopamine signals also acts on area of brain involved in memory & movement which helps us build up memories of what is good for us to survival and make it easier to do it again. Dopamine also releases when good things happen to us. Rewards experience such as Winning game, compliments etc send signals to release bunch of dopamine more directly if you take painkiller like an opioid then certain neurons in Central Nervous System are supressed resulting feeling of peace and relaxation. When the substance is abused such as excessive gambling, consumption of pornography, junk food, drugs etc then the Reward system flood the entire circuit with the level of dopamine up to 10 times higher than natural reward. That is not too excited because brain receptors tend to get depleted from over-stimulation by the neurotransmitter. Now researchers are report genetics abnormalities’ in dopamine systems that are correlated with addictive tendencies. It is possible that several people are easily get addicted because they get less pleasure through natural routes, such as from friendships work and relationships. If you keep using drugs then your brain adapts. It will produce less dopamine on its own and you will crave for it more because your dopamine receptor starving for more. Long term addiction have serious results such as death,cancer or brain drugs.
BRAIN THERAPIES FOR ADDICTION-
A common treatment to stablise brain after addiction are-
Biofeedback therapy– Biofeedback uses what is called (EEG) electroencephalogram.This therapy includes meditation, muscles relaxation but when combined with CBT , Biofeedback improves improves involuntary functions like heart rate, B.P and muscles control. End of both therapies is to help the patient to recover. Struggling with addiction has difficult and complicated.
Detoxification The best way to overcome is to get professional help. Detoxification also work with other combination of therapies.
Cognitive behavioural therapy CBT help you recognize your unhealthy behaviour patterns, but it can also help you learn to identify triggers. Clients learn the importance of self-acceptance. Clients learn how to identify and monitor irrational thoughts
Rational emotive therapy REBT help you to realize the power of rational thinking which within yourself and develop better habits and emotions. (REBT) is a type of therapy that is very similar to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Dialectal behavioural therapy DBT works to reduce cravings and help patients and learn healthy coping skills. DBT therapists may utilize individual therapy, group therapy, and treatment interventions between sessions to help clients achieve positive, lasting results.
12step Facilitation Theory – It is helpful for addiction recovery and which is a manual driven therapy. It promotes deep introspection and helps clients get the most out of their 12-Step meetings.
Person-Centered Therapy for Addiction It helps clients explore their thoughts, feelings, habits, and experiences to gain a better understanding of themselves and their addiction(s).
Finding for best therapy for the addiction is depend on lndividual needs.
BY GAYATRI
