You are on page 1of 10
Addiction; Brain Disease Additions commonty understood as complex condition characterized by compulsive dru or subsune we dese hn coseuenrs We acon hasten atonal ewe 2 mea failing oF 2 lack of willpower, the medical and scientific communities now recognize it as a brain di a This perspective highlights th logical and F ises tos Tis pos ysologal changes that occrin the brain eu Addiction involves the brain's reward system, which isa complex network of structures that regulate pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement. When a person engages in pleasurable activities such as eating, exercising, or socializing, the brain eleases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This dopamine releace reinforces the behavior and creates a sense of well-being However, drugs and addictive substances can hijack this reward system. They can stimulate the release cof abnormally large amounts of dopamine or interfere with its normal regulation, leading to @ euphoric high. Over time, repeated exposure to these substances causes the brain to adapt, reducing its sensitivity to dopamine and altering the reward system's functioning ‘These changes in the brain have several implications for addiction: Cravings and Loss of Control: The altered reward system leads to intense cravings forthe substance, as the brain associates it with pleasure and reward. This craving can overpower an individual's ability to resist and control their drug use, resulting in a loss of control over their behavior. nd Withdrawal: With continued substance use, the brain adapts further, developing ses of the substance are needed to achieve the desired effect. Tolerance a tolerance. Tolerance means that higher dos When drug use is abruptly stopped or reduced, withdrawal symptoms may occur. These sptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe physiological and psychological distress. fects regions of the brain responsible for rment can lead to poor decision-making, btain or Impaired Decision-Making and Impulse Control: Addiction a decision-making, judgment, and impulse control, This impair prioritizing drug use over other important aspect of fe, and engaging in risky behaviors oo use the substance, strate codependency: 1. Romantic Codependency: Sarah and John have been in a relationship for several years. Sarah consistently puts John's needs and wants above her own, even at the expense of her own well-being. She sacrifices her personal goals, interests, and boundaries to please John, and becomes overly reliant on him for her happiness and self-esteem. ‘Sarah fears being alone and losing the relationship, so she tolerates mistreatment and neglects her ‘own needs for the sake of maintaining the relationship. 2. Parent-Child Codependency: Jane, 2 single mother, constantly seeks validation and approval from her teenage daughter, Emily. Jane dedicates all her time and energy to catering to Emily's demands, desires, and emotions, neglecting her own needs and personal growth. Emily becomes accustomed to relying on her mother for constant fupport and guidance, without developing her independence or coping sil. Jane's self- ‘worth is largely dependent on her daughter's happiness and achievements. Work-related Codependency: Mark i a highly competent and dedicated employee in 2 “oxic work environment. He takes on excessive workloads, covers up for colleagues) Tnistakes, and rarely sets boundaries with his superiors. Mark's self-esteem and identity «Tre closely tied to his professional accomplishments and the validation he receives from fis bosses. He feels a compulsive need to be indispensable and fears rejection or fallure. Jnese examples, codependency is characterized by an imbalanced relationship. dynamic, Brie at sucic, lock of personal bourderes and an overwhelming focus on mecting the a of others at the expense of one's own well-being. It often results in feelings of low self se, tear of abandonment, ifiuties in asserting one's own needs, anda diminished sense sonal identity: & meee f° Dialectical Behavior tp, 12-Step Facilitation: Th 2 Thi atetes Anonymous fae” biked onthe peso Alcoholics Anonymous (aa 2 sponsor ae stent esting woe 8 od PONSOr who provides guidance ang Support throughout the aoc es important to note that the selection of therapy types wl depend on the individual's specific needs, the Severity of addiction, and the recommendations of healthcare Professionals or Saeletion specialists. Therapy canbe provided in various settings, including outpotere ‘treatment emters; residential rehab facilities, and community support group comorbtity in addieaon Codependency ‘Codependency refers to a psychological and behavioral pattern in which a person develops 2 ‘strong emotional ften involves an unhealthy teliance on another individual or a relationship. It often involves an u unbalanced dynamic, where one person prioritizes the needs and well-being of the other pe ‘over their own, to the point of neglecting their own needs and self-care. Codependency can occur in various types of relationships, such as romantic partnerships, friendships, or family Types of therapy in addiction ‘There are several types of therapy commonly used in the treatment of addiction. These therapies tan be used individually or in combination, depending on the needs of the individual and the treatment program. Here are some of the main types of therapy used in addiction treatment: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior. It helps individuals recognize and modify negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to addiction. CBT also teaches coping skils to manage cravings and develop healthier habits. Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI isa client-centered therapy that alms to ‘enhance motivation sand resolve ambivalence towards change. It involves a collaborative conversation betwee the therapist and the individual, exploring their goals and values, and helping them find intrinsic motivation to make positive changes in their addictive behavior. sement (CM): CM is a behavioral therapy that utilizes positive reinforcement rolves providing rewards or incentives for rence and promote sobriety. tt inv havior, such as earning vouchers for goods or services, to reinforce Contingency Manag to encourage ab: maintaining drug-free be! positive choices. ion affects not only the individ rticipation of family members t0 address rel rnd co-dependency issues. It helps improve ,, and educates the family on how to ‘Therapy: Addicti involves the pat Vv ’ us issues such as addiction, ab of various » abuse, neglect, or choy Becceciona torky ae ‘hronie confit. Here are some examples The Enabler: The enabler tries to maintain ha ly by maki coreg wo the problemas behavior of ater fry members Forinore esa excuses for thelr spouse's alcohols or drug addlction ora sbling moc constantly defend and protect another sibling who engages in harmful behavior IFMony within the fami ‘Tne Hero/Achlever: The hero or achiever takes on the responsiblity of being the: family’s "golden chil" or Wigh achiever. They strive for success and perfection in order to compensate for the ‘dysfunction in the family, This role can be seen in a child who excels academically, participates in numerous extracurricular activities, and generally presents themselves as the family's pride and joy. ‘The Scapegoat: The scapegoat is the family member who is often blamed for the family's Problems. They may act out, rebel, or engage in self-destructive behavior as a way of expressing ‘the family's dysfunction. For example, a teenager who constantly gets into trouble at school or ‘with the law may be cast as the scapegoat for the family’s conflicts. ‘The Lost Child: The lost child is a family member who withdraws emotionally and physically from the family dynamics. They may isolate themselves, avoid conflict, and remain silent in order to escape the chaos or dysfunction within the family. This role is often taken by a child who becomes ‘socially withdrawn, spends a significant amount of time alone, and avoids confrontation. ‘The Mascot/Jester: The mascot or jester uses humor and wit as a defense mechanism to alleviate ‘tension and diffuse conflict within the family. They may engage in attention-seeking behaviors, ‘or act as the family's comic relief. This role is commonly observed in individuals who 4 | mask their own pain or to dvert attention away from the underlying issues in the to note that these roles can vary within different family systems, and indivi uals roles or adopt multiple roles depending on the circumstances. Dysfunctional perpetuate and reinforce unhealthy dynamics within the family, inhibiting relationships, of behavior, motional and support, and hostility: sig shy relationships, struggle wit .sfunctional family \d resolved. veiationstio ov J family can Be eal pin a dysfunctional difficulty forming hi managing © the next if not ad «can vary in the deere’ wing Ut sf-esteem, have rence challenges i" jon to motions. DY: idressed an y develop 1ow se! macy, and experi from one generat .e and nature of their ‘others may experience severe ‘bers. Professional help, such as e effects of 2 ote that dysfunctional families it mild dysfunction, while ‘on. Some families may extibit Jing of their mem!

You might also like