Addiction recovery is accompanied by significant neurochemical changes as the brain attempts to restore balance after prolonged substance use. Chronic addiction alters neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine and serotonin, leading to impaired reward processing and emotional regulation. During recovery, these systems gradually adapt, although this process can take months or even years. Neuroplasticity plays a vital role in rebuilding neural pathways associated with decision-making and impulse control. Interventions like exercise, nutrition, and pharmacotherapy can accelerate neurochemical restoration. Understanding these changes helps tailor recovery programs to address withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and emotional instability, ultimately supporting long-term recovery.
Title : The Storm Within: Neuropsychological Insights into Dysregulation and Substance Use in the Adolescent Brain.
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel, Curry College, United States
Title : Sexualizing anxiety and anxiolytic sex: Misattribution of arousal
Sam Vaknin, CIAPS, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Title : Workplace and occupational mental health: Supporting well-being at work
Sindu Padmanabhan, Bharathiar University, India
Title : Resilience in counseling: Processing grief for the addictions counselor
Kayla Albers, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Title : Resilience in counseling: Processing grief for the addictions counselor
Jorja Jamison, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Title : Identity restoration as a missing variable in relapse prevention
Andrew Drasen, A Vision of Hope Media, United States