Substance Abuse Recovery

Colorful Brain with Stormcloud in part

Understanding Substance Use and Mental Health Through Neuroscience

Substance use and mental health struggles don’t arise in a vacuum. They are deeply connected to brain development, early life experiences, and the environments in which young people grow up. While we have recognized this link for quite a while, groundbreaking neuroscience research is shedding light on how adverse experiences Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
prescription bottle

Part 4 of 4 – Behavioral Manifestations of Addiction: It’s Medical, Not Moral

Behavioral patterns offer crucial insights into the complexities of addiction. While chemical imbalances play a role, behaviors serve as tangible indicators of addiction’s grip on individuals. The DSM-5 delineates addiction based on behavioral criteria, emphasizing impaired control, social consequences, risky usage, and pharmacological factors. Recognizing addiction through behavioral cues is Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
colorful artistic image of a human brain

Part 3 of 4 – Decision Fatigue: An Unseen Hurdle In The Recovery Journey  

Even after restoring healthy dopamine levels, recovering individuals face another neurological challenge – decision fatigue. Research shows the more choices we navigate daily, from mundane to momentous, the harder it becomes to exert willpower and self-control by evening. In recovery, each day brings a deluge of decisions loaded with relapse Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
brain scans showing that D2 dopamine receptors are significantly lower after cocaine use

Part 2 of 4 – Decoding Dopamine: The Motivation Molecule

Dopamine, often dubbed the “motivation molecule,” plays a pivotal role in human behavior. Essential for functions ranging from forming bonds to driving ambition, dopamine influences our everyday actions. From the moment we wake up to pursuing our goals, dopamine serves as the driving force behind our endeavors. Understanding the significance Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
human brain, one lobe colored red

Part 1 of 4 – The Quiet Epidemic: Understanding Addiction as a Disease

Addiction, a complex and devastating disease, affects millions in the United States alone. With over 21 million individuals grappling with addiction, it’s a crisis that demands our attention. Among these, 15 million suffer from alcohol use disorder, while 3 million battle opioid use disorder, a leading cause of injury-related deaths. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
artistic depiction of a brain

The Link Between Substance Abuse and Dopamine

Introduction Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for both physical and mental health. While the reasons behind substance abuse are multifaceted, one critical factor to consider is the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain’s Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
a bowl of mixed, unknown pills

Navigating the Complex Intersection of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: A Compassionate Perspective

Introduction The intertwined struggles of substance abuse and mental health issues are challenges that millions of individuals face around the world. These two issues are deeply interconnected, and understanding the complex relationship between them is crucial for offering support, compassion, and effective solutions. This article offers a brief exploration of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago