Addiction 101

“ADDICTION IS CHARACTERIZED BY INABILITY TO CONSISTENTLY ABSTAIN, IMPAIRMENT IN BEHAVIORAL CONTROL, CRAVING, DIMINISHED RECOGNITION OF SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS WITH ONE’S BEHAVIORS AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, AND A DYSFUNCTIONAL EMOTIONAL RESPONSE. LIKE OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES, ADDICTION OFTEN INVOLVES CYCLES OF RELAPSE AND REMISSION. WITHOUT TREATMENT OR ENGAGEMENT IN RECOVERY ACTIVITIES, ADDICTION IS PROGRESSIVE AND CAN RESULT IN DISABILITY OR PREMATURE DEATH” (ASAM, 2013)

Addiction in less scientific terms is a complex and layered response to myriad factors including genetics, environment, dislocation, trauma, the substances themselves, co-occurring mental health conditions and questionable prescribing practices. The road to addiction is not a one way path and neither is recovery.

Addiction has subtly and consistently crept into the lives of 240 million people around the world. This number only pertains to individuals who are categorized as those who are dependent and is not inclusive of those who have not reached dependency and yet have a complicated and tumultuous relationship with substances. Any behavior that disrupts a person’s life and leaves them powerless to stop may qualify as an addiction.

As a society, we have unknowingly created a binary pendulum of addiction; you either reside on one end and can “handle” your “Rose All Day” or  live on the other side and require treatment.  We neglect to address a large portion of society of people who need access to care or perhaps would benefit from evaluating their relationship with substances.

Addiction and the Brain

We have accepted the disease model of addiction. We know that the brain is affected by substance use, specifically an area in the middle of the brain that houses the reward circuit or reward pathway. The purpose of the reward circuit is to encourage us to engage in tasks that are critical for our survival; eating, sleeping, sex. When we engage in these activities we are rewarded with dopamine and other neurotransmitters and we remember to do it again. There is a strong connection made between the activity, the reward and the memory.

ADDICTION HIJACKS THIS SYSTEM BECAUSE AFTER USE THE DESIRE FOR THE DRUG BECOMES A PRIORITY, EVEN IF IT’S NOT SUPPLYING MUCH PLEASURE.

Consistent and repeated substance use damages the reward circuit of the brain. A person receives ongoing messages from the brain to seek and use even when there are negative consequences. Addiction hijacks this system because after use the desire for the drug becomes priority, even if it’s not supplying much pleasure. However, in the scope of priorities it is providing more pleasure than any other activity, which includes connection to school, work, hobbies and meaningful relationships. Long-term recovery is challenging because it’s difficult to shift these conditioned memories, which is why time is critical in minimizing the power of these memories. It is also why recovery can require a change in environment, community, activities and a shift in every facet of life because it requires a production of new memories.

What’s happening before the hijack? Is the opposite of addiction connection?

People often think of addiction as a problem with an individual, an addict. However, the individual is part of a much larger picture. Dislocation Theory of addiction advanced by psychologist, Bruce K. Alexander, looks beyond the individual. It identifies addiction as an adaptive response to broader societal problems that dislocates the individual from a sense of meaning, purpose, and value, driving them towards addictive behaviors.

Alexander’s experiments, named “Rat Park” displayed that when rats were given access to the same drug-laced bottles, those rats that were inhabiting a more socialized setting, to include options to play and engage with other rats preferred plain water. Essentially, addiction can be a way to fill a void of meaning and purpose.

When we disconnect from ourselves either due to emotional trauma, pain, negative core beliefs or shame, there resides space for addiction. We may not feel comfortable in our own skin and seek ways to feel better. Perhaps we should be focused less on asking why the addiction, but rather, what's the pain, what is the disconnection to self?

How to Respond to Addiction?

What we are learning is that “Rock Bottom” isn’t always necessary and that punishment, shaming, and detachment often perpetuate the cycle. Research shows a compassionate approach is more effective. It’s better to reinforce positive behaviors than to punish negative ones. Showing empathy over anger gets a better response. A Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach, based on positive behavior and communication skills, is scientifically proven to shift substance abuse behavior.

Learn more about the CRAFT approach and the CMC Foundation for Change.

Spring EOP is a place of adept skill and understanding in the dual treatment model of addiction and trauma, as well as many other issues and disorders that often co-occur with addiction.  Scroll down to schedule a consultation today.