An article on PsyPost discusses the detection of differences in the brain of individuals who use substances later in life. They note the presence of these differences before the use of said substances; likely ruling out the substance as the primary agent of change that leads to this issue. This is interesting as many people automatically assume that addiction is genetic and thus there is nothing we can do in many cases. Perhaps the brain differences are genetic, but what it they aren’t?
Dr. Gabor Maté discusses brain development and addiction in his video of the same name. In this video, Dr. Gabor Maté identifies the aspects of the brain that are often malfunctioning in the addict mind. He also looks to the specific responses of the brain to some substances and identifies where these problems start. He discusses neglect, food insecurity, chaos, and more as he ties each issue to a deficit in endorphins. dopamine, and impulse control among other things. This explanation has always made the most sense to me in my treatment of addiction through the years.
Sure, genetics play a role. However, I am not in a position to change a person’s genetics. I am in a position to help a person meet the emotional needs of their brain to prevent the maladaptive coping patterns that are sometimes called self-medicating or getting the need met. Linking the need to the chemical response the brain is seeking has been successful in treatment of substance use.
My primary point in all of this is not to debate Nature v. Nurture as I had in my book Heir of Narcissism. My goal is to identify what we can do to help those who struggle with addiction. Their drug of choice is never an accident. They find exactly what works for them for as long as it will work. Unfortunately, substance use has diminishing returns while it continues to charge the same price on the quality of your life. If we can find a way to make it so the brain is not seeking these chemicals, then we can give people a better chance at sobriety and life in general.
The problem did not start with the drug. The drug was a crummy solution to the problem. It takes time, compassion, and validation to understand these things as addiction is often very harmful to the people in close proximity. Sometimes it is best to let professionals care for your loved ones if the resentment has grown too much to provide these necessary tools for healing. The recovery world often says resentment is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die. It only harms ourselves.
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