What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity can also be described as cognitive flexibility. The adult brain does not have fixed circuits. We have the ability to learn new things, improve brain fitness and recover from strokes and traumatic brain injuries. Research has shown that the brain has the ability to reorganize itself in response to internal and external factors. Both negative and positive experiences will change the brain and your mind. A review of research can be found in an article titled Adult Neuroplasticity: More than 40 years of research that was published May 4, 2014 by the National Institute of Health in PubMed.
The brain has two modes of existence, the learning brain and the survival brain. When we function in the learning brain we are open to take in new information. We perform daily tasks without much thought and naturally choose a healthy lifestyle with little stress. In the survival brain we can become mentally and emotionally overwhelmed. We are unable to process new ideas and basic tasks become difficult. The brain can get stuck in survival mode and become rigid. Attributes of cognitive rigidity are prominent in people with depression, OCD and addictions.
Ethanol, cannabinoids, opioids and psychostimulants all elevate serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. The brain decreases the amount of neurotransmitters that it produces because they are being released artificially from the substance use. Normally, our bodies create their own opioid chemicals in response to pain. Once the brain encounters synthetic opioids it decreases production of its own. This is what makes it so difficult to overcome addictions. To be successful in a recovery program you need to have a plan to increase your natural production of neurotransmitters and happy hormones.
Neuroplasticity is the key to habitual drug misuse as well as the key to recovery. The first drug exposure increases the bodies release of dopamine, the reward chemical. Overstimulation of the neural pathways in the reward center creates the feeling of euphoria. When opioids overtake the reward pathways it changes the brains reward, stress and self control system. This is where IASIS can help. According to Dr. Mingxiong Huang, IASIS MCN stimulates the production of all brain waves. Increasing the Delta wave stimulates cholinergic pathways, increases production of hormones and clears amyloid proteins.
The brain will change based on life experiences. If you have negative thoughts it is very hard to have a positive outcome. You need to soothe your nervous system to move out of the survival brain. You can rewire your neuronal circuits by learning a new task, getting enough sleep, exercising, solving a puzzle, taking a walk outside, being mindful and meditating. Consciously focus on the positive instead of the negative and your old neural pathways will be replaced by new ones. Your body will start producing its own happy hormones again.
