The brain is a very important organ in the human body. It controls how we move, walk, talk, and speak. The brain adapts to environmental changes and allows us to cope with negative emotions, form new memories, and learn.
The brain’s dexterity also has negative consequences, including addiction. The addicted brain changes chemically and physiologically. Drugs and alcohol affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, which release an excess level of dopamine causing temporary pleasurable feelings and euphoria.
A person living with an addiction will develop a tolerance to the substances he or she uses and seek more of the drugs or alcohol to achieve the same “high” as the first time. Eventually, it becomes increasingly difficult to get the release of more dopamine to feel pleasure. This will lead to a person using more drugs and alcohol, or substances with a higher potency.
The brain adapts and changes with addiction. If you continue to use drugs or alcohol, the changes become more permanent. Drug and alcohol abuse affects major organ function in your body. It causes heart disease, liver failure, some types of cancer, kidney failure, overdose, and early death. Drugs and alcohol affect the brain’s ability to form and store important memories. These substances also can cause irreversible brain damage.
Even if people understand the cycle of addiction, they cannot stop until they get help from a treatment program. The brain is dependent on the drugs or alcohol, so a person needs to commit to recovery to change his or her lifestyle. When in treatment, a person’s brain needs to be re-trained to function normally, without toxic substances. It will take time for the brain to re-adjust to a sober lifestyle.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, get help now. Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction and addictive behaviors with a focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit. Addiction is treatable and recovery is possible. You do have a purpose in life and can enjoy much more when living substance-free. You are not alone.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 877-938-1577