In 12 Step programs and addiction treatment centers it has been an accepted tenet that once an individual has crossed the line into addiction, that individual cannot return to problem-free, controlled use of the addictive substance. There has been research suggesting that the reason underlying this principle lies in either the addict's inherent brain circuitry related to impulsivity, setting him/her up to develop addiction once use of an addictive substance is initiated, or is a result of changes in brain chemistry related to impulsivity caused by chronic use of the addictive substance.
Presumably, if the addiction is due to changes in brain chemistry from use of the drug, then perhaps over time abstinent from the drug the brain can heal, with cessation of impulses to use the drug. In a recent study summarized inScienceDaily, researchers have found that there are changes in the brain chemistry of cocaine addicts that persist after long term abstinence from use of the drug, resulting in ongoing elevation in impulsivity measures.
Thus, in the words of one of the researchers, "The knowledge that some neural changes associated with addiction persist despite long periods of abstinence is important because it supports clinical wisdom that recovery from addiction is a lifelong process…”
So, once an addict, always an addict: time does not cure addiction! As always, comments are invited. Jan Edward Williams, www.alcoholdrugsos.com, 09/24/2013.
I wish I had something profound to contribute other than to say, I very much appreciate your snipit of the latest findings. It reinforces what I believe about the ol' addict noggin.
Appreciating your view on addiction, I would like to add my point of view on addiction. If you’re determined to stop drinking and willing to get the support you need, you can recover from alcoholism. Alcohol recovery is a process that involves setbacks. Don’t give up if you slip in between and don’t give up till the time you achieve the target.
Appreciating your view on addiction, I would like to add my point of view on addiction. If you’re determined to stop drinking and willing to get the support you need, you can recover from alcoholism. Alcohol recovery is a process—one that often involves setbacks. Don’t give up if you slip in between and don’t give up till the time you achieve the target.