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Understanding addiction with a South Park
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Understanding Addiction in a Nutshell
Think of addiction as an allergy; an abnormal reaction to a substance. Kenneth Blum, PhD identified the Reward Deficiency Syndrome, which is a defect in the dopamine receptor gene, D2A1 allele. People who have this defective gene lack a sufficient number of dopamine receptors in their brains to produce feelings of well-being. Individuals who have a family history of alcoholism or other addictions may be born with this syndrome. As depicted in the short clip of Stan, after his first experience with alcohol he immediately feels better than he ever has before. This feeling of wholeness significantly trumps all accomplishments and success previously achieved. In addition, alcoholics with this gene tend to be more severely affected, begin using at an earlier age and have more severe episodes of intoxication.
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Genetics vs. Epigenetics
Everyone inherits their genome, but they can potentially alter their epigenome. Understanding addiction as it relates to epigenetics brings in responsibility, as well as, hope. People who are born with the gene for addiction do not need to be a victim of their genetics.
Research with identical twins suggests that as twins age epigenetic differences accumulate, especially when their lifestyles differ. One of the main findings is that epigenomes can change in function depending on what we eat, smoke, or drink. This is one of the key differences between epigenetics and genetics. Chemical tags that control our genes change depending on our lifestyle.
Most people have heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” It appears that we are also what we drink, smoke and the company we keep. We hypothesize that epigenetics may be able to explain the efficacy of a 12-step or faith-based program. It appears that we are very much affected by mirror neurons that influence our choices to adopt the behaviors of peers in which we surround ourselves. 12-step and faith-based programs correct the abnormality of the Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Yet, only a tiny percentage of addicts will overcome the tremendous resistance to that work without neurofeedback.
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Understanding addiction video
Understanding Addiction & Recovery Means Addressing The Brain
There seems to be a growing a trend that addiction is all about the cravings, and if you focus on reducing an addict’s cravings then the addiction will be essentially cured. This is a natural assumption, but understanding addiction will clarify this misnomer. The reason an addict is addicted to chemicals (alcohol, etc.) and seemingly can’t live without them is that they usually felt bad prior to having substances in their body. They have never felt as good as the average, non-addicted person.
As mentioned, they have what Blum identified as the Reward Deficiency Syndrome. This syndrome causes their mind to develop an operating system that is more self-centered than the average person, because they simply can’t experience satisfaction, appreciation and gratitude. Mood altering substances temporarily and artificially correct this abnormality. 12-step and faith-based programs also correct the Reward Deficiency Syndrome. Unfortunately, addicts will despise the notion of any constructive group involvement on an on-going basis. In contrast, they are comfortable in social setting that support the use of substances as a way of life.
Many times addicts have one or more other disorders in addition to their addiction. These are called co-morbidities and frequently include: depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, obsessionality, and panic attacks. These comorbid issues create obstacles to an addict’s recovery. For example, it is challenging to be present in treatment or recovery groups while suffering with these issues.
Understanding addiction means acknowledging the reason for an addict’s intense resistance to effective addiction treatment, especially if it is on-going such as participating in a 12-step or faith-based program. Intervention always triggers an intense fight or flight response. Since an addict views substances with the same importance as air, water and food, an effective treatment will evoke a intense survival reaction.
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Neurofeedback significantly reduces an addicts survival response, also known as, the hijacked brain.
For all the rapid progress man has made since the caveman days, the brain has clung tenaciously to its own Paleolithic wiring. This becomes especially noticeable when under stress–which for an addict is just notion of living a sober life. The reaction is run, fight, or freeze; sometimes referred to as the “ hijacked brain“. These knee jerk reactions were indipensible to our ancenstors, who routinely had to flee from predators. However, an addict’s survival is not at stake should he or she recover from addiction, quite the opposite is true. Therefore, long-term recovery requires a calm brain and a reduction in the survival response a life without substances illicits in the typical addict. Neurofeedback helps to evolve the hijacked brain into one that is interactive. It works by training the brain to remained engaged and not be bypassed during a stress reaction. The result is reduced resistance to participating in an addiction program and increased compliance in long-term aftercare.
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The Path of a Hijacked Brain – When the brain bypasses executive
functioning and goes straight to survival mode, reacting without considering
the consequences.
[one_half_last]The Path of a Calm Brain – The prefrontal cortex or higher brain, evolved over time to
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Neurofeedback doubles the odds of addiction recovery.
Addiction Recovery with BrainPaint Neurofeedback
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- Improves odds of long-term recovery to 77%*
- Reduces the likelihood of a client dropping out of treatment early (AMA) by 60%**
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms (i.e. insomnia)
- Helps Brain Instability
- helps Anxiety
- Helps Depression
- Helps ADD/ADHD
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Addiction Recovery without BrainPaint Neurofeedback
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- Odds of long-term recovery only 20%-44%*
- Reduces the likelihood of a client dropping out of treatment early (AMA)
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms (i.e. insomnia)
- Helps Brain Instability
- helps Anxiety
- Helps Depression
- Helps ADD/ADHD
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- * Outcomes from a UCLA Addiction Study
- ** Statistics furnished by Promises Treatment Centers
- Note: Average length of stay (ALOS) correlates with long-term sobriety
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BrainPaint uses evidence-based neurofeedback protocols proven for addiction recovery.
If you are looking for neurofeedback when choosing an addiction treatment center, ask for evidence-based BrainPaint. BrainPaint automates the UCLA addiction study that proved the effectiveness of neurofeedback for improving abstinence rates one-year post treatment. The results of this UCLA study have subsequently been replicated by other research teams. Bill Scott, the Principal Investigator and first author of the original UCLA addiction study, was so impressed with the results that he created BrainPaint so that drug & alcohol rehab centers could replicate the study’s outcomes. For more about evidence-based neurofeedback as it applies to understanding addiction and improving the odds of long term abstinence, read the followings articles written by Bill Scott.
What Is the Best Neurofeedback Protocol for Recovery?
Drug Rehab Programs Improve the Odds of Abstinence
Find more videos on the addicted brain and understanding addiction.
Find a glossary of terms on understanding addiction.