Does the brain recover from drugs?

Throughout life, people can make various decisions that negatively affect 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 himself and for third parties.

What are the harmful effects that arise from drug intake? Does each drug generate the same consequences? Are all organisms equal when faced with consumption? As can be glimpsed, in these cases doubts may arise around. For this very reason, it is necessary to have accurate and compelling data about this area. In this Psychology-Online article, we will resolve your doubts about the question if the brain recovers from drugs.

Index

1. Why drugs affect the brain
2. Can the brain recover from the effects of drugs?
3. How the brain recovers from drugs
4. What are the irreversible damages caused by drug use?

First of all, we will start by answering the question by saying that drugs affect the brain because

Next, we show you the most frequent negative effects on the brain in case of drug use and the parts of the body that are involved:

• prefrontal cortex: It is the area in charge of processing information related to thought, impulse control and movements. When conditions appear, the ability to control impulses and reflect on the actions that are committed disappears. In this article, we tell you more about the prefrontal cortex
• 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 Cerebral tonsil: what it is, location, parts and functions.
• basal ganglia: are linked to responses derived from pleasure in different activities. When drugs come into play, these responses tend to disappear as the brain gets used to receiving pleasure only from the stimulus that the drug represents.

This is a broad question in which various factors intervene, such as the person's age, sex, time of consumption, the drug ingested and its quantity. It is possible to say that in some cases the brain can be recovered 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 effects of drugs on the nervous system.

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, since 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, the 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 are family, group, individual and psychiatric therapy. 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 pertinent and understandable information. This includes information related to understanding the effects that drugs have on the brain or the personal care that must be carried out, among other aspects.

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 sequelae. Understanding this point is crucial to help people at risk of life.

Next, we show you what are the irreversible damages due to drug use:

• Modifications in neural circuits: complications caused by drugs interfere with the correct functioning between the neurotransmittersthus preventing proper communication.
• Lack of oxygen: Although not all people can feel it, the lack of oxygen slows down the synaptic connections in the nervous system, which causes unfavorable symptoms for the person.
• death of brain tissue: the death of neurons is another of the consequences of drug use. When this habit becomes repetitive, certain neuronal groups can stop fulfilling 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Does the brain recover from drugs?, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

• Montoya-Filardi, A., Mazón, M. (2016). The addicted brain: imaging of neurological complications from drug use. Magazine of the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology, 59 (1), 17-30.
• Muzio, R., Yorio, A. (2012). Perspectives on addictions: Causes and effects? Electronic Journal of the Faculty of Psychology - UBA, 2 (3), 9-11.