The American
Society of Addiction Medicine has recently released a definition of addictions
which focuses on the brain’s circuitry. From their studies, they concluded that
all kinds of addiction can influence and alter the brain’s neurology.
Specifically, their research uncovered evidence that indicated changes in the
brain’s reward system, motivation and memory circuitry. This caused the
individual to pursue their addiction at a cost to their health and general
self-care. This is demonstrated in the following ways:
1. Alterations to the Brain’s Reward
System
Researchers noted that the memory of rewards associated with a substance or addictive behaviour (alcohol, food, sex, gambling and so on) was sufficient to trigger the addictive sequence – even where the addiction had lost its appeal and lead to negative, unwanted consequences.
Researchers noted that the memory of rewards associated with a substance or addictive behaviour (alcohol, food, sex, gambling and so on) was sufficient to trigger the addictive sequence – even where the addiction had lost its appeal and lead to negative, unwanted consequences.
2.Compromised Impulse Control
Because addictions affect the frontal cortex of the brain, it alters our judgment and our impulse control. Thus, the person finds it hard to resist their powerful urges, and to think of the effect that this could have on their life. This finding is consistent with the symptoms of addictions which include the following characteristics and traits: being unable to abstain from the addiction, and delay gratifying their need or drive; intense cravings for the drug/ behaviour of choice; a failure to recognise the impact this is having on the person, their relationships, their work and their life.
3.Cognitive and Emotional Changes
Because addictions affect the frontal cortex of the brain, it alters our judgment and our impulse control. Thus, the person finds it hard to resist their powerful urges, and to think of the effect that this could have on their life. This finding is consistent with the symptoms of addictions which include the following characteristics and traits: being unable to abstain from the addiction, and delay gratifying their need or drive; intense cravings for the drug/ behaviour of choice; a failure to recognise the impact this is having on the person, their relationships, their work and their life.
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| Addiction can influence and alter the brain’s neurology |
Symptoms here include a growing obsession so the substance or behaviour now
consumes their thinking; a distorted understanding of the pros and cons that
are associated with engaging in addictions; also, intense, negative and
fluctuating emotions which are hard to control and are unpredictable.
This has
implications for diagnosis well. For example, instead of focusing on outward
behaviours, which are noted and measured using standard questionnaires, it
would seem more productive to look inside the brain in order to determine if
it’s truly an addiction. This should yield more reliable and detailed
information – and give information on disease progression.
With respect to
treatment, it may make it easier to interrupt a pattern by consciously altering
what’s happening in the brain. However, the underlying causes that led to the
addiction should still be explored and addressed in counselling.
Resource : http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/alcohol%20addiction
Resource : http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/alcohol%20addiction
Posted by , Published at 02.16 and have
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