If you have been misusing drugs or alcohol regularly, some of the neural pathways in your brain may have changed.
Drug and alcohol misuse creates structural changes in the brain that influence our behavior. They take over pathways related to feelings of:
- Pleasure
- Reward
- Emotional regulation
- Decision making
- Impulsive behavior
When we try to stop using drugs or alcohol, the body begins to detoxify. Given the structural brain changes and the physical dependence due to regular drug use, the detoxification process can be deeply uncomfortable. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Restlessness
- Tension
Though your initial reasons for substance misuse may be rooted in another mental health condition or underlying trauma, once you have misused a drug for a prolonged period, it is these structural changes in the brain that drive further drug-seeking behavior. Habitual misuse also leads to physical dependence, and the body feels unable to function normally without the presence of the drug in its system.