Throughout life, people can make various decisions that have a negative impact on the body, such as the consumption of toxic substances. It is understandable that the components found in them alter the normal functioning of the Central Nervous System, which causes discomfort both for the person themselves and for third parties.
What are the harmful effects that arise from taking drugs? Does each drug generate the same consequences? Are all organisms equal regarding consumption? As you can see, in these cases doubts may arise. For this same reason, it is necessary to have precise and conclusive data about this area. In this Psychology-Online article, we will answer your questions about whether the brain recovers from drugs.
Why drugs affect the brain
First of all, we will begin by answering the question by saying that drugs affect the brain because interfere with the communication that exists between neurons that make up the central nervous system. When this happens, various sectors of the brain begin to have problems in their functioning. Generally speaking, the most affected parts are usually the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala and the basal ganglia.
Below, we show you the most common negative effects on the brain in case of drug use and the parts of the body involved:
- prefrontal cortex: is the area in charge of processing information linked to thinking, impulse control and movements. When conditions appear, the ability to control impulses and reflect on the actions committed disappears. In this article, we tell you more about the
- Amygdala: regulates certain sensations such as stress, anxiety and anger, among others. As can be seen, it plays a fundamental role in emotional regulation. However, when faced with the consumption of toxic substances, the functioning of the amygdala is diminished and the person has greater emotional reactions. Here you will find more information about the .
- basal ganglia: they are linked to responses derived from pleasure in different activities. When drugs come into play, these responses tend to disappear since the brain becomes accustomed to receiving pleasure only from the stimulus represented by the drug.
Can the brain recover from the effects of drugs?
This is a broad question in which various factors intervene, such as, for example, the person’s age, sex, duration of consumption, the drug ingested and its quantity. It is possible to say that In some cases the brain can recover of the effects caused, as long as the basic functions of the central nervous system are not completely altered.
For this reason, in these cases, it is important to take into account the previous history that governs each person. Here you will find more information about the .
How the brain recovers from drugs
There are some effective treatments that allow adequate recovery of the brain from drugs. In global terms, the approach times range from two to ten years, given that a prolonged process is needed to readapt neural circuits.
Likewise, it is important to remember that each treatment will be oriented to the needs of each person. For this reason, time is usually variable. In this section, we will talk about how the brain recovers from drugs:
- Rehabilitation programs: Among the best-known rehabilitation programs, family, group, individual and psychiatric therapy stand out. In these cases, a comprehensive approach is essential to address the compromised areas of a person affected by drug use.
- reeducation program: Drug intake must be treated with relevant and understandable information. This covers information related to understanding the effects that drugs have on the brain or the personal care that should be carried out, among other aspects.
What are the irreversible damages caused by drug use?
Beyond the fact that there are possibilities of avoiding relapses due to drug use and improvements in quality of life, the truth is that drug use can cause irreparable consequences. Understanding this point is crucial to helping people at risk of life.
Next, we show you what the irreversible damages are due to drug use:
- Modifications in neural circuits: Complications caused by drugs interfere with the correct functioning between people, thus preventing adequate communication.
- Lack of oxygen: Although not all people can feel it, the lack of oxygen produces slowness in the synaptic connections of the nervous system, which causes unfavorable symptoms for the person.
- Brain tissue death: The death of neurons is another of the consequences of drug use. When this habit becomes repetitive, certain neuronal groups may stop performing basic functions.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Montoya-Filardi, A., Mazón, M. (2016). The addicted brain: an image of the neurological complications of drug use. Journal of the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology, 59 (1), 17-30.
- Muzio, R., Yorio, A. (2012). Perspectives on addictions: Causes and effects? Electronic Magazine of the Faculty of Psychology – UBA, 2 (3), 9-11.