"Drugs can capture and hijack some parts of the brain," said lead researcher Dr Murat Yucel of the University of Melbourne. Drug addiction treatment and alcoholic treatment needs to be considered in light of the changes of brain structure in addicts.
Drug and alcohol addiction changes the brain
Drug addicts and alcoholics may struggle with addiction treatment not because they're unmotivated, lazy or simply addicted to the high. The frontal cortex of the brain – which is key in decision-making – is negatively affected by the drugs and alcohol.
"In this study we found the frontal cortex, an area that is essential for exercising control over thoughts and behaviors, was working inefficiently," said Dr Yucel. These discoveries within the brain of drug addicts and alcoholics not only shed light on the addictions, but affect how drug addiction treatment and alcoholic treatment is approached.
The brain cells in the brains of addicts – particularly the frontal region – are less healthy than in non-users. Drug addicts and alcoholics also need to activate more of their whole brain when exercising self-control, which makes resisting temptation more of a struggle.
Drug addiction help and alcoholic treatment could be changed by this discovery.
Drug addiction treatment and alcoholic treatment
Since the frontal cortex isn't as efficient as in "normal" brains, drug addiction treatment and alcoholic treatment should focus on strengthening that area. Addictions psychiatrist Dr Dan Lubman suggests drug and alcoholic treatments center on "a combination of pharmaceutical and psychological treatments."
Whether the approach is an alcoholic intervention, drug addiction treatment for a long-term substance abuser, or teen drug addiction, it's important to remember that it's not a matter of choice. It's hard to stop because, as Dr Yucel says, "they have a reduced level of biological resources."
Psychological disorders, drug addicts, & alcoholics
Other research has shown a link between psychological disorders, such as depression, and substance abuse problems. That is, drug addicts and alcoholics may be more depressed or anxious, which means they may be less likely to embrace drug addiction treatments and alcoholic treatments.
Interesting sidenote:
Do drug addicts & alcoholics live in big cities or small towns?
A recent Canadian study found that big cities aren't the usual home of substance abusers. Researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health discovered that mid-sized cities have a larger population of addicts and alcoholics than huge metropolises or small rural areas. They speculate that big cities are populated by immigrants who've probably moved from cultures in which alcohol and drug use is less common.
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Source: Science Daily
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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