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Addiction, be it to substances or certain behaviors, can have a profound and lasting impact on the neural networks within our brains. It alters our brain’s structure, chemistry, and function. Hitting rock bottom and finally admitting we have a problem, we start asking “How long to rewire brain from addiction?”, desperately looking for a way through our pain, as a hope for recovery and a better future.
In this comprehensive guide, we will see together the affected areas of the brain by addiction, how long it takes to rewire it, and the numerous factors that influence this timeline.
Primary Components of the Brain Affected by Addiction
Addiction significantly impacts three main components of the brain: the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. These areas are connected to our brain’s reward system, executive functioning, and habit loops respectively.
The basal ganglia play a crucial role in motivation and reward. It gives you that feeling of pleasure when you do something you enjoy. How? The release of dopamine. Unfortunately, substance abuse like drugs or alcohol, or even obsessive behaviors like overeating or excessive pornography over-activate it, which makes you dependent on these substances or behaviors, leading to addiction.
Second, the extended amygdala, a part of our brain connected to feelings of stress, anxiety, and irritability. When someone abuses substances, it can make this part more sensitive, causing even stronger negative emotions. As the addiction gets worse, the person starts using the substance as a way to feel better and escape these uncomfortable feelings temporarily. This creates an empty circle of negative feelings getting worse by addiction, then addiction being used to escape them, so we feel imprisoned.
Finally, the prefrontal cortex. which is the part responsible for rational thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and regulating impulse control. However, when we add substance abuse to the mix, we compromise the functioning of this area, because of the excessive dopamine in the brain that damages it, which makes it challenging for us to resist the urge to consume the substance.
What Happens To The Brain In Recovery?
To achieve long-term sobriety, we must undergo a brain rewiring process. This is essentially a reprogramming of brain function to stabilize dopamine release and replace old neural pathways with new ones. This way, we can teach our brain to respond differently to triggers that have previously led to substance use.
Practically speaking, if there are emotions or past traumas that we used to lead to substance abuse, we learn how to deal with them differently. For instance, if feelings of sadness are used to trigger alcohol consumption, the brain rewiring process would involve teaching our brain to interpret sadness as something manageable through healthier coping mechanisms.
How Long to Rewire Brain from Addiction?
While it’s difficult to provide a definitive timeline, the process of rewiring the brain from addiction can vary significantly depending on several factors.
In some cases, the brain rewiring process can take a month, while in others, it may take several months. The human nervous system’s neuroplastic nature allows it to change both for the worse and the better. This means that brains damaged by substance abuse can unlearn negative behaviors and adapt to healthier ones.
You may ask, if that’s the case, where did the 90 days for recovery come from?
Well, the origin of the 90-day timeframe can be traced back to the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where it was suggested that 90 days of sobriety from alcohol marked a significant milestone in recovery. From there, it was used in all forms of addiction and habit change.
So, before you consider to take it as a goal to achieve, here are some key points to consider:
Scientific Evidence: While some studies have suggested that 90 days can represent a critical point in recovery, there is limited definitive evidence to support this specific timeframe as universally applicable.
Individual Variability: Recovery timelines can vary significantly from person to person based on various factors which will be covered in the next section.
Habit Formation: In the context of habit formation, the 90-day rule is often associated with the time it takes to establish a new habit. However, research indicates that habit formation can range widely from 18 to 254 days, with no fixed timeline applicable to all behaviors.
Psychological Impact: The belief in the 90-day rule can have a placebo-like effect on individuals striving for recovery, providing a tangible target and a sense of accomplishment. This psychological aspect can contribute to its perceived effectiveness.
However, It’s important to recognize that the 90-day timeframe may not universally apply to all forms of recovery or habit change. Different addictions and habits may entail distinct challenges and trajectories, making it crucial to approach recovery on an individualized basis.
Factors Influencing the Rewiring Process
There are several factors that influence the length of time it takes to rewire the brain from addiction, but the main ones are:
- The type and number of substances you are addicted to.
- The presence of any co-occurring mental health or medical conditions.
- The age at which you started using these substances (or behaviors)
- The duration of the addiction.
- The severity of substance abuse.
- The age and gender.
- Your unique body and brain chemistry.
- Your personality traits and determination to achieve sobriety.
- The presence of triggers.
- The type of professional addiction treatment sought.
Basically, the longer you try a substance or a behavior, the longer the recovery process. However, don’t let that discourage you. Focus only on achieving sobriety one day at a time, try your best to enjoy the recovery journey, and you will see transformative change in your life in no time.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Addiction Recovery
Research indicates that the brain can adjust back to normal or baseline during and after addiction treatment. An integrated approach that includes medically managed detoxification, medication management, and behavioral therapies has been shown to have the best outcomes with the least risk of relapse.
For example, in a study conducted by Smith et al. (2019), it was found that individuals who underwent a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) had significantly higher rates of long-term sobriety compared to those who only received MAT.
In addition, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides valuable resources on evidence-based treatment options for addiction recovery. They offer comprehensive information on different behavioral therapies, such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which has been shown to help individuals re-train their brains and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Additionally, NIDA’s research reports and publications provide insights into the latest addiction treatment advancements, aiding healthcare professionals and individuals seeking recovery.
The Science of Brain Rewiring: Understanding Neuroplasticity
To understand why we are giving this much importance to the brain, and its crucial role in both addiction and recovery, we will delve into the science of neuroplasticity. This term refers to the brain’s ability to change its structure and create new neural pathways over time. This capacity allows this organ to recover from the damage caused by substance abuse and reconfigure itself toward healthier habits and behaviors.
How Addiction Changes the Brain
Addictive substances and behaviors hijack the body’s reward system, artificially flooding the brain with “feel-good” chemicals such as dopamine. With time, the brain adapts to these high dopamine levels and perceives them as the new normal. As a result, in the absence of the substance, the brain tries to correct what it perceives as an imbalance, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Things To Help You In The Brain-Rewiring Process
In addition to what we talked about before, there are a range of therapies that can help you in the rewiring process, especially if you are reluctant when it comes to medication. These can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy. These therapies can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to manage your triggers and develop healthier responses to stress and negative emotions.
Furthermore, if you face barriers to seeking in-person assistance, we would suggest starting with online resources, such as forums, chat support, and virtual therapy sessions. as long as you can find proof of their credibility. Some of these credible platforms are BetterHelp and Talkspace which offer convenient and accessible options for anyone seeking therapy from the comfort of their home. We would just emphasize that it’s important to find a therapist who is a good fit and to be open and honest during sessions to maximize the benefits of therapy.
In addition to therapy and professional treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can also support the brain rewiring process. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and social connection can all aid in rewiring the brain and fostering recovery.
Conclusion
The journey to rewire the brain from addiction is a complex and individual one. However, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible, and the brain can heal with time, patience, and the right support. Remember, it’s not about how long it takes but rather about the progress you make along the way. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, know that every step you take towards rewiring your brain and overcoming addiction is a step towards a healthier, happier future.
Stay safe, loving, and compassionate to yourself and others.