This article discusses the harmful effects of substance abuse on the brain that is primarily responsible for the misery of most of the people battling with drug addiction. This leads to cognitive changes that make the problem worse. Experts have identified certain specific thought patterns of an addictive mindset that lead to the continuance of addictive behavior. Then the author discusses why the patients go in a denial mode about their own personality and reality and why they lose their decision-making faculties. It may affect every part of their life including money, work, and relationships. It further discusses how people start distrusting the addict because of his propensity toward irrational decision making that further isolates him from the society. When they become convinced in their justification for substance abuse, it becomes extremely difficult to break the pattern. Then it discusses how modern therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are combined with Eastern therapies such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation massage to bring about excellent results. Most people are unable to beat their addiction primarily because of a specific thinking-style that makes the individual continue using drugs and other harmful substances, even if they are fully aware of the consequences. This is due to the cognitive changes that take place in an individual with addiction issues. They find themselves incapable of seeing the long term consequences of their bad habits. What makes the problem worse is the fact that they start exhibiting impulsive behavior leading to isolation and distrust in relationships. In this case, the brain typically starts associating the image of the substance with the feeling of pleasure and that leads to incessant craving. This makes the patient obsessive and uncomfortable. His mind suggests that he badly needs the substance in order to feel relief. These addictive thoughts become the biggest hurdle for an individual in exercising restraint, especially during the withdrawal period. Specific thought patterns of an addictive mindset The chemical changes in the brain are responsible for linking the mere thought of the substance with euphoria. So, most of the addict personalities share a common thought pattern that leads to the continuance of addictive behavior. Some of the thought patterns associated with addiction are: A. Increasing impulsivity B. Tendency for pleasure seeking C. A strange sense of uniqueness leading to non-conformity in behavior D. High level of stress and anxiety E. Little social bonding F. Victim mentality Dangerous outcomes Most of the people suffering from addiction issues are generally in denial mode about their own personality and reality. They shun societal norms and become obsessed with their own self. They also lose their decision making faculties. So, you will find them making illogical decisions. They can go to any extent to obtain drugs to ward off the mounting stress and in this process often lose the sense of molarity. Slowly this snowballs into an uncontrollable problem affecting every part of their life including money, work, and relationships. Increasing distrust of others
People start distrusting the addict because of his propensity toward irrational decision making, which further isolates him from the society. Their behavioral history suggests their preference for drugs or alcohol over family, which hurts their near and dear ones. People alienate the addict because nobody wants to avoid being hurt. They disconnect themselves with anyone who challenges their addictive behavior, so their friends start deserting them and they find no peer support in their darkest hour. This further increases their craving for drugs and a desire to find an escape. Isolation and distrust of peers can turn to be extremely dangerous for addiction. The patient often uses denial as their weapon. The more convinced they become in their justification for substance abuse, the more difficult it becomes for them to break the pattern. Addictive thinking makes him choose euphoria and overlook harmful consequences. A proper intervention program in most of the Rehabs in California consists of a combination of therapies. Modern therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are combined with Eastern therapies such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation massage to bring about excellent results. The therapists at prominent addiction rehab centers conduct both individual and group sessions aimed at bringing positive change in the behavior of an individual. Without this change in behavior, lasting recovery is not possible.
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