How Long Does it Take to Rewire Your Brain From Addiction?

When used regularly, addictive substances will change the functions of the brain. 

This change in function is what makes the substance addictive, as it changes our brain’s chemistry. It hinders our regular functions and dampens the brain’s ability to communicate with the body through neurotransmitters. 

This process of change is often called “rewiring,” and we’ll cover how it happens and what it takes to rewire the brain back to a healthy state.

How to Rewire the Brain After Addiction

The brain is affected by drug use in a few ways. Rewiring the brain after addiction involves multiple steps that remove the substance from the body in a safe way, followed by counseling that helps you understand and resolve the root of your addiction issues.

Rewiring the brain back to its regular function involves a time of in-house recovery followed by an aftercare plans that support continued sobriety.

Related Articles: Behavioral Addictions Guide

Detox

Detoxification is the process of removing toxic chemicals from your body and brain.

The initial effects of detoxification can be intense and painful. However, it’s necessary to remove the substance from your system. Detoxification will give your brain the space it needs to restructure itself back to normalized brain chemistry.

It’s best done with medical professional help.  In some cases, the treatment facility will use medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It involves using a medication that alleviates some of the withdrawal symptoms. 

Related Resources: Medication Management, 

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment is encouraged after a full detox. During this time you’ll be able to focus on yourself, build better habits, and treat the source of your addiction.

Treatment plans typically last 30 days and equip patients with the tools necessary to work through their addiction and build a healthy lifestyle that supports long-term recovery.

Continued Sobriety

The rewiring process takes time. That’s why maintaining sobriety after rehab is important. Returning to life after addiction treatment is hard but having planned continued treatment will increase your ability to recover.

Adopting good habits such as working out, journaling, mindfulness, and attending aftercare meetings can help. Overcoming addiction is not just removing the substance, but adding good behaviors that will support you in your journey. 

How Long Does it Take to Rewire Your Brain From Addiction?

The time it takes to rewire the brain depends on the individual. Everyone has different experiences, and some factors may change the time it takes:

• Length of substance use
• Age when substance use began
• Type of substance
• Other underlying health conditions

This area is still being studied, and our understanding of it is ever-expanding. Some studies suggest it takes a couple of months to rewire the brain, but others suggest it could take multiple years. However, it’s most important to know that recovery is possible.

Can the Effects of Addiction Ever Go Away?

Substance abuse disorder is a defined chronic disease. Similar to other chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, there isn’t a cure, but it can be managed. Healing doesn’t stop after your stay in a residential treatment facility. Having a personalized treatment plan with support and aftercare is important. 

That being said, the brain is resilient, and recent studies have shown that damaged neuropsychological functions can be restored.

How Addiction Affects the Brain

Our brains are wired so that we are more likely to repeat behaviors that feel good. These behaviors include a lot of beneficial things, such as socializing and exercising. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that drives the brain’s reward system. When we do something we like, the brain releases dopamine as a signal that this is good. 

Dopamine is a normal part of the brain’s function and helps us stay motivated. However, addiction deeply affects what is the normal amount of dopamine we produce. As an addiction develops, the brain begins to rely on that substance to reach the baseline levels of dopamine. The brain is now wired to receive dopamine from taking a substance instead of producing it on its own. This process also relates to behavioral addiction. However, the behavior is what’s causing the dopamine instead of a substance.

Dopamine makes it easier to repeat the behavior and eventually turn it into a habit. However, this can occur in repeated experiences that have negative effects on our health.

What Areas of the Brain Are Affected By Addiction?

The three areas of the brain affected by drug use are:

• Basal Ganglia
• Extended Amygdala
• Prefrontal Cortex

The basal ganglia is often called the “reward center” of the brain. It’s where positive and pleasurable habits are formed. Most drugs trigger the release of an abundance of dopamine from the basal ganglia. During frequent use, this area adapts and begins to produce less dopamine without the presence of drugs.

The extended amygdala is dedicated to feelings of stress and anxiety; therefore, it plays a big role in withdrawal symptoms. After frequent substance use, the extended amygdala becomes more sensitive. 

The prefrontal cortex is the area used to plan, think, make decisions, and control impulses. During frequent substance use, the prefrontal cortex becomes less prominent in the decision of whether or not to use.

How Long Does it Take for Addiction to Develop?

The time it takes for an addiction to develop can depend on many factors, including:

• Intensity of the drug
• Mental health
• Age when use began
• Family history 
• Personality traits

Because of these factors, it’s difficult to say how long it takes for a substance to become addictive. The developing stages of addiction can be difficult to notice. If you or a loved one feels the early signs of addiction or struggles with addiction, reach out.

Begin Recovery From Addiction Today

Overcoming any addiction is a difficult process. The way our brains work it sometimes seems like we’re working against ourselves. This makes it very difficult to recover from addiction alone.

If you want to rewire your brain and break the chains of addiction, the staff at Sequoia Behavioral Health is here to help. We personalize your treatment during your stay and after you leave the facility.

‍Contact us and get started on your journey to sobriety today.