Today, we know that addiction or chemical dependence is a disease of the brain, more accurately known as substance use disorder. Much progress has led to increased acceptance that substance use disorder is an illness affecting the brain like asthma is an illness affecting the lungs. However, sufferers continue to face discrimination and stigma.
Through technological advancement in brain scans we now see what is behind this potentially deadly disease. It is not a lack of character, bad morals or bad choices but a brain that has been hijacked. According to Dr. Carlton K. Erickson: “powerlessness is not a mental or moral weakness, but rather a disease involving brain chemistry and in most cases a genetic vulnerability.”
Understanding Relapse
Unfortunately, in early recovery, relapse is common. The disease is most active when the person quits. Relapse is preceded by behaviour that is often oblivious to the individual. A trained therapist can help the person become aware of their behaviour and provide tools for change.
Many people believe when they have quit using drugs, they don’t need further help. Early recovery can be freeing and even euphoric. Unfortunately, issues float to the surface that can lead to using their “solution” to escape or to numb. Without ongoing support, old behaviours can return. Relapse prevention is a learned skill.
The Brain Science
In relapse behavior, there is a functional disconnect between two parts of the hijacked brain – the limbic system and the frontal cortex. Dr. Anna Rose Childress describes this as the “go” and “stop” system: the “go” system runs off on its own and is not interacting in a regular, integrated way with the “stop” system.
Hope for Recovery
The good news is that with diligent work, successful recovery is attainable. Through current research, we are discovering new medications that may help with craving and withdrawal symptoms. A combination of medication and counselling would be more effective than either method alone.
It is through imaging technology such as fMRI, PET and SPECT scans that we now can see what is going on inside the brain. It is indeed possible to recover from a substance use disorder. It’s a journey rather than a destination.