Problem 28 - Biological Psychology

Question

Someone who has quit an addictive substance for the first time is strongly counseled not to try it again. Why?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Relapse can rapidly reignite addiction due to brain memory and altered tolerance.

Step 1: Understanding Addiction

When someone is addicted to a substance, their brain chemistry is altered. The substance hijacks the brain’s reward system, leading to dependency.

Step 2: Impact of Relapse

Using the substance again after quitting can lead to a quick return to the previous level of addiction. The brain’s memory of the substance’s effect is powerful and can lead to a faster relapse.

Step 3: Psychological and Physical Factors

The brain sensitizes the individual to cues associated with the substance. When re-exposed, the person may quickly resume their previous patterns.

Step 4: Risk of Escalation

Trying the substance after quitting can also lead to engaging in more frequent use than before, as tolerance levels may have changed, leading to increased consumption.

Step 5: Support Systems

Continuous support systems can help reinforce abstinence by providing alternatives and minimizing the risk of giving in to urges.

Key Concepts

Brain Chemistry

Addiction has a profound impact on the brain's chemistry. When a person uses an addictive substance, it interacts with the brain on a chemical level, often altering neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine and serotonin. These substances can cause excessive release of dopamine, which is a chemical messenger responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
This alteration can lead to long-lasting changes in how the brain functions and processes information. When the brain becomes accustomed to the elevated levels of neurotransmitters, it undergoes structural changes, which can make an individual more prone to addictive behavior.
This disruption of normal brain function underscores why it's so crucial to be cautious after quitting. Even a single use after abstinence can "retrigger" these changes, often reinstating the addiction swiftly.

Reward System

The reward system is a crucial part of brain chemistry that strongly influences addiction. When we experience something pleasurable, the brain's reward system is activated, releasing chemicals like dopamine, which produce feelings of enjoyment and motivation to repeat the behavior.
In the case of addiction, substances become linked to this reward pathway, often producing more intense effects than natural rewards like food or social interactions. This results in a reinforced desire to seek out the substance, as the brain begins to prioritize the artificial stimulus over genuine experiences.
Therefore, after someone quits an addictive substance, their brain may still crave the intense reward it remembers. Re-exposure to the substance can quickly reactivate the reward system's memory, leading to relapse.

Dependency

Dependency refers to the brain's reliance on a substance to achieve normal functionality. In addiction, the continuous exposure to an addictive substance leads the brain to adapt and function differently. Over time, the brain starts depending on the substance to release dopamine and maintain what it perceives as balance.
This dependency manifests in cravings and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used, motivating the individual to continue using the substance to avoid discomfort.
When a person quits, the brain begins the process of returning to its natural state, which is not immediate. Until this equilibrium is reestablished, the brain's dependency on the substance remains a vulnerable aspect, making relapse a considerable risk if exposed to the substance again.

Tolerance Levels

Tolerance is a key concept that goes hand-in-hand with addiction. As someone continues to use a substance, the brain becomes less responsive to it, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect. This is known as tolerance.
When someone quits and does not use the substance for a significant period, their tolerance levels can decrease. However, upon relapse, the individual might mistakenly consume the same amount they used previously out of habit, which can lead to more severe effects or even overdose.
The fluctuation in tolerance levels is a critical consideration in recovery, as underestimating these changes can lead to increased danger if a person resumes substance use at previous levels.