How Long to Rewire the Brain from Addiction

Understanding the Brain and Addiction

Addiction is a very complex condition that affects the brain’s reward system. The reward system is responsible for processing pleasurable experiences. When we engage in these pleasurable activities, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure.

Drugs can affect the reward system by flooding the brain with dopamine. This produces a powerful feeling of pleasure, which can lead to addiction. When people use drugs repeatedly, their brains adapt to the presence of dopamine and require more of the drug to achieve the same level of pleasure. This is known as tolerance.

Over time, the brain can also become dependent on the drug. This means that the brain needs the drug to function normally. When people stop using drugs, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can vary in severity. The severity depends on the length of the addiction, the type of drugs in question, and the level of dependency.

The Process of Rewiring the Brain from Addiction

The process of rewiring the brain from addiction is very complex and involves a number of different factors. However, there are some general principles that can help to explain how the brain can recover from addiction.

One important factor is neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt. This means that the brain can form new neural pathways, even after it has been damaged by addiction.

When people use drugs, their brain becomes accustomed to higher levels of dopamine. This can lead to changes in the reward system in the brain, making it harder to experience pleasure without drugs. However, neuroplasticity also means that the brain can learn to produce dopamine in other ways, such as through exercise, healthy eating, and social interaction.

Another important factor in rewiring the brain from addiction is therapy. Therapy can help people to understand the triggers that lead to drug use and can help the person develop coping mechanisms for dealing with these triggers. Therapy can also help people to develop healthier ways of coping with anxiety and stress, which can be major triggers for drug use.

There are a number of different types of therapy that can be effective for addiction recovery. Some common types of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT helps people identify and change their negative thought patterns that can contribute to addiction.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT helps people to regulate their emotions and to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Motivational interviewing (MI): MI helps people to explore their motivation for change and to develop a plan for recovery.

In addition to therapy, there are a number of other interventions that can help to rewire the brain from addiction. These interventions include the following:

• 12-step programmes:12-step programmes like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, provide a supportive community for people in recovery.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT involves the use of medications to help people to manage their cravings for drugs.
• Support groups: Support groups can provide a safe space for people in recovery to connect with others who understand what they are going through.

Factors Influencing Recovery Time

There are several factors that can affect the recovery time, including the following:

Individual differences: Some people are more resilient than others and may be able to rewire their brains more quickly. Others may have underlying mental health conditions that make recovery more challenging.

Types of substances abused: Some substances, such as alcohol and opioids, can have a more lasting impact on the brain than others. This means that people who have abused these substances may need more time to rewire their brains.

Duration and severity of addiction: The longer and more severe the addiction, the longer it will take to rewire the brain. This is because the brain has had more time to adapt to the presence of the drug.

Treatment: The type of treatment that a person receives can also impact the time required to rewire the brain. Some treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted therapy (MAT), can be more effective than others.

Compliance with treatment: The more compliant a person is with treatment, the faster they will recover. This means that people who attend all of their therapy sessions and take their medication as prescribed are more likely to rewire their brains more quickly.

Milestones in Brain Rewiring

 The process of rewiring the brain from addiction is a long and challenging one, but it is also a rewarding one. There are many milestones that individuals may experience along the way, and each one is a sign of progress.

Some of the major milestones in brain rewiring include:

• Cognitive improvements: As the brain heals, people may start to notice improvements in their cognitive function. This could include things like improved memory, attention, and decision-making.
• Emotional stabilisation: The brain’s reward system is also affected by addiction, and this can lead to emotional instability. As the brain heals, people may start to feel more stable emotionally. They may experience fewer mood swings and feel more in control of their emotions.
• Reduced cravings: Cravings are a common symptom of addiction, and they can be very difficult to resist. As the brain heals, cravings may start to decrease. This doesn’t mean that they will go away completely, but they will become less intense and less frequent.
• Increased overall well-being: As the brain heals, people may start to feel better overall. They may have more energy, feel more motivated, and have a better sense of well-being.

It is important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and the timeline for rewiring the brain will vary from person to person. However, it is important to celebrate the milestones along the way, no matter how small they may seem. These milestones are a sign of progress, and they should be encouraged.

Get Help For Addiction Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us today.

Our friendly and understanding team at Nova Recovery can ensure that your transition into treatment is seamless, providing you with exactly what you require to start your journey to recovery. Call us today on 01475 303998  or browse our contact page, where you’ll be able to fill out our contact form.

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John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 8, 2023

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.