Addiction: What is Addiction?

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Addiction: What is Addiction?

Addiction: What is Addiction?

December 24, 2011 at 10:05

Addiction: What is Addiction?

Addiction (Substance Abuse) is usually thought of in terms of a physical and psychological dependence upon a substance such as, alcohol, cocaine or heroine. There are many drugs, including alcohol, which cross the blood brain barrier and when ingested, alter the chemical reactions in the brain.

Often, this disorder is found with comorbid conditions. Among these, Anxiety Disorder, Depression, ADD (AD/HD), and Behavioral Disorders are very common. These disorders affect brain chemistry and function, and addicts may find that initially, the involved substance seems to temporarily diminish symptoms. One of the main problems associated with this, though, is the fact that the substances and the associated disorders have a direct effect on brain function and brain chemistry, thus, further complicating symptoms and treatment.

Addiction: Click here for Case Study

The person who is addicted will most likely continue with their activities despite the negative consequences of continuing to use the substance.

Addiction and common symptoms:

Tolerance – Usually begins to show an increase in tolerance, needing more of the drug to do the same thing.
Withdrawal – showing signs of physical dependency.
Personality changes – usually for the worse. The person isn’t as happy or becomes angrier, and these symptoms worsen as dependency increases.

Do I have an Addiction?

Addiction and Brain Function:

Most abused drugs directly or indirectly target the reward system of the brain by flooding the system with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that operate in the regions of emotion and affect the feeling of pleasure. Additonally, the brain affected by substance abuse will also present with a significant increase in beta and high beta waves. With the qEEG or Brain Map as an assessment tool, we can see the electrical activity of the brain. We can then determine where and how the dysregulation occurs allowing us to develop treatment protocols to put the brain back into balance without medication.

Addiction and Treatment Options:

There are a variety of treatment options for this disorder. They include medication, nutritional, counseling, and neurofeedback interventions.

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