Addiction has a direct impact on the mind. One that can sometimes be overlooked by the user. You see most that suffer from substance use disorder are often trying to deal with trauma. They want to numb a memory of an experience they had to endure. Something that shook them. Let’s look a little deeper at the actual impact of addiction on someone’s mind.
The use of any substances instantly alter a persons brain chemistry. Not only that, but it instantly impairs an individual’s judgment and ability to make decisions. Those with addiction often suffer from increased impulsivity as well as short term memory issues. Without going further we can see right away how addiction instantly impacts the mind negatively, but how does a person get into a place addiction?
Addiction usually occurs one of two ways of not both. The first being genetic predisposition. Yes, if you come from a long line of alchoholics, their is a chance those traits have been passed on. Also we see unfortunately that some parents are in a state of using during the pregnancy more specifically the mother and the child just being born could already be suffering from cravings.
Another way a person could step into addiction is through environmental factors. If you grow up in a house full of users, this could increase the chance of you becoming addicted to a substance as well. Part of the process when people come to Believe Detox Center is to identify any environmental factors that may be playing into their addiction. Seen the sober enviroment and your chances to live that way increase.
What about the long term impact of addiction on the mind though? Well for one, a persons brain matter changes when a reduction in gray matter occurs. Next what we usually see is a loss of cognitive deficits when a person is battling substance use disorder long term. What is also usually seen is emotional regulation issues and risk of co occurring mental health disorders. Using doesn’t help, drinking or partaking in any other substance in the moment may seem like it does, but ultimately you will eventually face what the trauma you are running from.
Behavior changes can occur as well like social withdrawal and isolation. Changed in relationships may occur as well a social circles. Also neglecting work and family responsibilities. Lastly an individual may start taking unnecessary dangerous risks. The cycle of addiction can by vicious at times on the mind. Cravings, withdrawal symptoms and increased and intensified triggers can make the mind feel like it will forever be trapped by addiction.
Good news is treatment is available at Believe Detox Center and recovery is possible. Practiced like cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, medication management if needed and long term strategies put in place to help maintain sobriety are all viable parts of a possible process that will help you not just get sober, but maintain your sobriety.
