Addiction is a complex issue that not only affects a person's behavior, but also their brain and nervous system. As a trauma recovery coach and certified healing shame practitioner, Jennifer Kindera understands the unique challenges that those struggling with addiction face. In this blog, we will discuss four ways in which addiction affects the brain and the body's nervous system.
How Addiction Affects Your Brain and Nervous System
How Addiction Affects Your Brain and Nervous System
Dopamine and Reward Pathways
The brain's reward system is responsible for releasing dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. When someone engages in addictive behavior, such as the overuse of drugs or alcohol, their brain releases an excessive amount of dopamine, which creates a powerful sense of pleasure. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to this high level of dopamine, and the individual needs to engage in addictive behavior more frequently to achieve the same level of pleasure. This can result in an addiction cycle that is difficult to break.
Stress and Anxiety
Addiction can also affect the brain's stress and anxiety pathways. When a person is addicted to a substance, their body becomes accustomed to the presence of that substance and relies on it to function. When the substance is not present, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. These symptoms can be extremely difficult to manage and can make it challenging for anyone to break the addiction cycle and begin to heal.
Memory and Learning
Addiction can also affect an individual's ability to remember and learn new information. Addictive elements like drugs and alcohol can damage the brain's memory and learning centers, which can make it difficult for the brain to process new information, or remember important information. This can have a significant impact on the ability to function in daily life and can make it challenging for them to seek help for their addiction.
Trauma and Shame
Addiction and trauma often go hand in hand, and those who have experienced trauma may turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with their pain. As a trauma recovery coach, Jennifer understands the importance of addressing trauma in addiction recovery. Additionally, shame can play a significant role in addiction, as those who struggle with addiction may feel ashamed of their behavior and be hesitant to seek help. As a certified healing shame practitioner, Jennifer Kindera can help her clients address and overcome feelings of shame, which can be a powerful tool in the addiction recovery process.
Addiction affects not only your behavior but also the brain and nervous system. Understanding the ways in which addiction affects the brain and nervous system can be helpful in the addiction recovery process. As a trauma recovery coach and certified healing shame practitioner, Jennifer Kindera Coaching can help those struggling with addiction to address the underlying issues that contribute to their addiction, such as trauma and shame. Together, we can work towards a successful recovery.