How Does Addiction Change the Brain?
How does addiction Change the brain? Addiction is characterized by a strong need for something, a loss of control over the use of it, and a refusal to give up on it despite the negative effects. In the beginning, addiction alters the brain’s ability to recognize pleasure and then corrupts other basic drives, such as learning and motivation, by altering the brain’s physiology. Even though it is difficult, it is possible to overcome an addiction.
An addictive substance or activity triggers changes in the communication between nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for planning and carrying out activities) in such a manner that we begin to associate enjoying something with wanting it, causing us to pursue it. That is, we are compelled to behave in order to find the source of our enjoyment.
In what ways can drugs and alcohol hurt my mental health?
Dozens of people use drugs and drink alcohol for a wide range of different reasons. It doesn’t matter why you use drugs or alcohol; it could have a long-term negative effect on you. The following are some of the possible long-term impacts.
- There are times when you need to take more to get the same results.
- People who have high blood pressure are more likely to have a stroke.
- Problems with your liver and pancreas.
- A lot of different types of cancer, like liver cancer, bowel cancer, and mouth cancer.
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
- Difficulties having a baby.
- Drugs or alcohol make you feel like you have to use them.
- When you don’t take them, withdrawal symptoms can make you feel sick, cold, sweaty, or shaky.
- Having mood swings that happen quickly.
- Having a bad attitude about life.
- An inability to get excited about something.
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Relationship problems
- Keeping things under wraps or not telling anyone.
- Having episodes of psychosis caused by drugs.
If you drink or take drugs for a long time, it can have a big impact on your mental health. There are a lot of things that can happen if you take drugs. You might become sicker and be a lot more likely to hurt yourself.
There is also some evidence that taking some drugs for the first time can make you sick. For example, research has shown that cannabis can make you more likely to get psychosis or have a psychotic disorder.
ARCA Rehabs in Johannesburg
Contact ARCA rehabs Johannesburg for more information about treatment options available.
