If you’re recovering from substance use or alcohol use disorder, you might be asking yourself, “How long does it take to rewire your brain from addiction?” While some studies have shown that the brain can heal itself in as little as 14 months of abstinence, this timeline is incredibly varied. It’s important to understand that no two people will experience the same timeline during recovery. However, the brain is an incredibly complex and adaptable organ, and can recover after addiction. Here’s what you need to know about the brain’s power to overcome addiction.
How Does Addiction Impact the Brain?
For those who use substances or have a loved one who uses substances, it’s important to understand the impact of drugs and alcohol on the brain. The brain is a complex organ that comprises various neural pathways, reward systems, and neurotransmitters. When a person ingests drugs or alcohol, these substances interact with the brain’s natural chemistry and can cause changes in how the brain functions.
Specifically, substance use can affect the brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for reinforcing someone’s exposure to euphoric and pleasurable feelings. While it was once thought that dopamine directly caused pleasure, scientists now believe that dopamine acts as the brain’s signal to tell the person to repeat the behavior that caused the surge. This can lead to a cycle of continued substance use, as the brain becomes “rewired” to seek out and prioritize substances over other activities and needs.
The Brain’s Damaged Circuit
People who use substances produce fewer neurotransmitters in the brain’s reward circuit, meaning that they need to take more of the substance in order to feel the same pleasurable effects. This leads to tolerance, where the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of a substance and requires higher doses for the same effect. Tolerance can eventually lead to dependence, where a person becomes physically or psychologically reliant on a substance in order to function normally.
Impulsivity is also affected thanks to changes in the brain’s frontal cortex after drug use. With increased impulsivity, individuals may engage in risky behaviors and make impulsive decisions without considering consequences. This can lead to further drug use and potentially harmful situations.
How Long to Rewire the Brain From Addiction? Brain Imaging Studies
Despite these changes caused by addiction, recovery is possible because of the brain’s incredible ability to adapt and heal itself. Brain imaging studies show that in people with methamphetamine use, the brain’s dopamine transporter system can take as little as 14 months to begin to heal. This is, of course, when people abstain completely from using substances.
In addition to imaging studies of the brain, studies on habit formation show that the mean time to form a new habit is approximately 66 days. While research is still needed to show how the brain forms habits, this behavioral change might be a strong indicator that neural pathways have begun to change and rewire. This is especially important in the context of addiction recovery, as developing healthy habits can be a key component in maintaining sobriety.
The Role of Neuroplasticity and Abstinence
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. It allows the brain to compensate for any damage or changes caused by drug use, and promotes recovery and adaptation. Not only is neuroplasticity studied in addiction, but it’s also a common method in treating various brain-related disorders such as:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Cognitive Decline
- Addiction as a Chronic Disease
By far the most important factor in the brain’s ability to heal is abstinence. Studies show that during periods of abstinence, any negative drug-induced neuroadaptations and clinical symptoms can be at least partially reversed. This means the brain still holds neuroplastic and regenerative natural healing powers despite repeated drug use.
Improve Your Treatment Outcomes and Begin Healing Today
Knowing that the brain has the power to heal itself can bring much-needed comfort to people struggling to overcome addiction. If you feel deflated, lacking motivation, or simply unsure if you can recover, take heart in knowing that your brain is constantly working to repair itself.
However, this doesn’t mean that treatment isn’t necessary. Drug addiction is a complex disease and requires a comprehensive approach to recovery. At Encino Detox, we’ve made it our mission to help walk people through every stage of recovery. From initial detoxification to inpatient treatment, our goal is to provide you with the right therapies, tools, and support to help you overcome addiction and build a fulfilling life.
Don’t wait for addiction to take over your life – seek help now and start the journey towards recovery. Call us today if you’re looking for addiction treatment in Los Angeles that can guide you towards long-term success.