Substance abuse and addiction impact the brain in more ways than one. These habits reinforce negative behaviors, causing structural and functional changes that make addiction challenging to overcome.
However, the good news is that brain rewiring can also play a major role in paving your or a loved one’s road toward recovery. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt. Also known as brain rewiring, this process plays a powerful role in brain recovery after addiction.
Whether you or a loved one is in recovery, knowing the timeline of this process and the factors influencing it can offer hope and lead to a successful recovery. So, how long does it take to rewire the brain from addiction? And what can help support your recovery along the way? Below, we explore neuroplasticity and addiction recovery and its timeframes.
Understanding Brain Rewiring in Addiction
Brain rewiring, also known as neuroplasticity, is the ability of our brains to change and adapt structurally and functionally. This process occurs in response to internal and external stimuli. For instance, learning a new skill rewires the brain; this is how we acquire a new skill or habit. However, a stroke or brain injury can also cause various changes, leading to alterations in abilities and even independence.
So, how does this relate to addiction and substance abuse?
Ultimately, the decision to try a drug or substance may be initially triggered by curiosity, individual personality traits, or even stress. But this very first exposure activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine. With repeated use, our brains quickly learn that this source leads to the activation of our reward system, so we continue to seek it out.
And a new problem arises with tolerance. To achieve the same reward, the body requires a higher dosage, leading to physical dependence (which is signified by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is abruptly stopped).
Research even states that “Addiction is a disease of neuroplasticity.” This is why, even after detoxification from a drug or substance, an individual may relapse or continue to have addictive behaviors. Simply put, their brain has become wired to receive rewards via certain substances. In fact, an individual may crave the feelings that a certain substance has given them in the past.
At the same time, neuroplasticity can also support the recovery process. For instance, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programs show success in decreasing days of substance abuse and heavy drinking, even after a 12-month follow-up. This is largely attributed to the fact that regular mindfulness practices are associated with various brain changes, such as improved cognition, attention, and memory.
In turn, finding ways to rewire the brain from addiction can guide the healing process and help individuals form new neural pathways—which support recovery and the creation of healthy habits. But how long does this process take?
How Long Does It Take to Rewire the Brain?
There is no simple answer to this question. Addiction recovery timeframes can vary from person to person and situation to situation. Often, it may depend upon how long an individual has been abusing a substance and the amount of damage or brain rewiring that has occurred during this time.
With this in mind, the stages of brain recovery from addiction include:
- Acute Withdrawal: This stage occurs within hours or days of discontinued use of the abused substance. During this time, an individual may experience intense physical and physiological symptoms. This is why this initial phase is best done under the supervision of a medical professional; they can ensure it’s done safely and help with the management of withdrawal symptoms.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS): This next phase occurs sometimes within days of the first and can last several weeks, months, or even years—depending on the situation and individual. This phase may include various symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.
- Brain Rewiring: This is where recovery involves replacing old, addictive habits with healthy ones. It involves the restoration of cognitive and emotional stability, which may take several years for some individuals.
Additionally, it may depend on the type of addiction as to what kind of timeline recovery takes. For instance, alcohol and drug recovery may take years after the initial withdrawal to overcome negative brain pathways and create new ones. Meanwhile, the brain changes associated with a gambling addiction may take less time since physical withdrawal isn’t a concern and the process of neuroplasticity can begin right away.
In fact, more research is needed to uncover precise timelines. As of right now, most studies about addiction recovery focus on the one to 24-month period, which is a relatively short timeline when considering the neuroplastic effects and long-term effects of addiction.
Generally, most experts seem to agree that it takes about 90 days of abstinence for the prefrontal cortex to regain proper decision-making abilities. This is why many programs last 90 days. After this point in time, it’s about preventing relapse and reinforcing positive and healthy behaviors.
Factors That Influence Recovery Time
The reason timelines can vary so greatly when it comes to recovery is due to various factors, such as:
- Type of addiction
- Length of addiction
- Age
- Overall health
- Support systems (therapy, counseling, social support)
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, mindfulness)
In order to rewire the brain from addiction, personalized treatment plans addressing individual factors, including the above, must be considered. When this is done, the road toward recovery is optimized, and success is more likely.
Strategies to Support Brain Rewiring
Recovery is entirely possible. Seeking out support or helping a loved one find the necessary support is essential throughout this process. Some tips that can support brain healing throughout recovery include:
- Participating in therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group therapy (or support groups) can all play an invaluable role during your or a loved one’s recovery.
- Exercising regularly: Research shows that regular physical activity can help reduce any depressive symptoms associated with recovery.
- Eating a balanced diet: For optimal functioning, our brain requires various nutrients to function optimally. Make sure you incorporate whole foods and brain-supportive nutrients including omega-3s.
- Obtaining quality sleep: Sleep is essential for the restoration and healing of the brain. Ensure you or your loved one gets at least eight hours of sleep per night.
- Incorporating mindfulness practices: Meditation and other mindfulness-based practices can help support healthy brain function, reinforce healthy habits, and prevent relapse.
It’s also worth noting that, depending on the type of addiction, medication may be part of the recovery process. For instance, medicine may help reduce drug cravings, which can offer your brain the opportunity to heal. Overall, it’s important to be patient with the process; everyone’s road to recovery is different, and timelines can greatly vary.
Conclusion
It’s entirely possible to rewire the brain from addiction; often, it takes patience, persistent effort, and time—along with adequate support. If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of substance abuse or addiction, know it’s never too late to seek out help. With the right professionals to support your recovery journey, you can heal and open the doors to a new, healthy, and happy life.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557811/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-plasticity-in-drug-addiction-burden-and-benefit-2020062620479
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181920/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4489711/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312586/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852519/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4199732/#:~:text=The%20physical%20exercise%20can%20more,%2C%20and%20follow%2Dup%20periods
