Friday, December 7, 2018

Alcohol Hijacks The Brain Study Finds


Study: Alcohol Hijacks Your Brain
A new US study conducted by neuroscientists has uncovered an explanation as to why alcoholics crave alcohol so badly… Alcohol hijacks the brain.
The scientists’ aim was to find out why, even after years of abstinence in some cases, those who have suffered from alcohol addiction are still vulnerable to relapse. This follows the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognising addiction as a “chronic relapsing brain disease”.

Fruit Flies Unlock The Mystery Of Alcoholism

Using fruit flies as the basis of the neuroscience studies, the scientists from the famous Browns University, Rhode Island in the US, found that one of the key molecular structures that fruit flies and humans share is disrupted by alcohol and genetically changed as a result. This disruption occurs in the brain’s pleasure-reward centre and is key to animals and humans chasing rewarding experiences.
We have known for a long time that addiction of any kind, whether it be to alcohol, drugs, behavious or activity, is linked to brain’s reward system and involves euphoric recall. Hence, there is currently no medical cure for addiction.
The scientists conducting the study wanted to find out how addiction occurs on a molecular level in the case of alcoholics.
Fruit flies were used as a comparable substitute for the human brain, as whilst they only have 100,000 neurons in comparison to humans who have 100 billion neurons, they share some core features of the brain’s structure – the pleasure-reward system pathway being one of them.

Alcoholic Suffering Is Not A Deterrent

Brown University Campus
Researchers at Brown University found that alcohol and drugs hijack the brain creating euphoric recall.
Dr Karla Kaun, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Browns University and senior author of the published findings, explained the purpose of the study which was conducted by a team of undergraduates, technicians and postdoctoral researchers: She said: “One of the things I want to understand is why drugs of abuse can produce really rewarding memories when they’re actually neurotoxins.”
The professor added: “All drugs of abuse — [including] alcohol, opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine — have adverse side effects. They make people nauseous or they give people hangovers, so why do we find them so rewarding? Why do we remember the good things about them and not the bad? My team is trying to understand on a molecular level what drugs of abuse are doing to memories and why they’re causing cravings.”
The findings of Browns University alcohol study were published late October ths year, in the journal Neuron and on Browns University website. Full details of the study and its findings can be found by following this link.

Alcohol And Euphoric Recall

The study concluded that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway in the fruit fly’s brain that is identical to the one in humans. This particular memory pathway is responsible for euphoric recall. Alcohol changes the molecular version of the genes made in this pathway, which in turn forms cravings that fuel addiction.
This explains why this particular baffling (and often misunderstood) characteristic of alcoholism remains even once alcohol consumption has ceased.
Why would an individual who has lost all as a result of their alcoholism even consider the possibility of taking another drink once they have gotten sober?
The answer to this is partially reflected in the studies findings and what we already know of alcoholism that alcoholics have no natural in-built defense against their brain’s altered reward system pathway, which at certain times only recalls what alcohol did for them as opposed to what it did to them.
Each relapse, following a period of sobriety, is commonly worse for an alcoholic in the vast majority of cases. This is due to the fact that the disease of addiction, which is created on a molecular level within the brain, is progressive in nature. It dictates the individuals thinking and removes their ability to see truth and reason.

Science Is Eradicating The Stigma Of Alcoholism

One thing that has been clear for a long time is that alcoholism isn’t a choice, it is a disease and compulsion that is beyond the sufferer’s control. The chemical changes to the brain’s reward system induced by repeated exposure to alcohol, leave an alcoholic powerless over alcohol. The power of choice is lost.
What is not yet clear is what makes one individual predisposed to developing alcoholism and another not. We know that there are contributing factors to addiction such as trauma, mental ill health, genetics and environmental upbringing, but science is yet to fully establish the main determining factor(s).
The more that science comes to understand alcoholism and the causes of alcoholism, and the more that this information is fed back into the world, the less stigma there will be and more individuals will seek life saving treatment and help as a result.

What Is The Answer To Recovery From Alcoholism?

The reality as we see it, is this:
An alcoholic will always have the disease of addiction residing within their brain. Once they are aware of the nature of their illness, the associated behaviours that enable it, and they have been shown the tools and means to challenge and change their own thinking, they then possess the ability to cut to the truth. They are able to see reason and reject the thought of alcohol in favour of a healthier coping strategy.
Step by Step Recovery understands the importance of rehabilitating the brain following an alcohol detox. Each patient we treat has their own experience of alcoholism and how it affects them and their loved ones. We therefore design a bespoke and very specific alcohol rehab programme that is therapeutic and holistic in nature – to challenge and change the core beliefs that drive their addiction.
By introducing our Lighthouse rehab patients to mindful practices, healing on a deeper level, awareness and healthy coping strategies, we are able to provide alcoholics with the life saving tools required for continuous sobriety.

Specialised Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Lighthouse Rehab London LogoStep by Step Recovery are passionate about saving lives and helping alcoholics and addicts to recover from alcoholism. We provide a totally non-judgemental residential rehab environment in which you or your loved one can be nurtured back to full mental, emotional and physical health.
We teach proven methods of awareness and change that are conducive to healing from compulsive behaviors and substance abuse. Recovery from alcoholism IS possible; we know, many of our counsellors and therapists are in recovery from addiction themselves.
Call us today on 0800 170 1222 or complete our online form and take the first step to a brand new alcohol and addiction free life!
Sources and References
The Original article Published at stepbysteprecovery
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Smartphone Addiction, What Causes It?


Smartphone Addiction
Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage regarding children developing smartphone addiction and how it is having a detrimental effect on their social and learning skills.
Step by Step Recovery agree that smartphone addiction is a growing cause for concern. However, what seems to have been neglected by the media, is the sheer number of adults that are struggling with smartphone addiction and how this impacts directly on the quality of their lives.
In this blog, we look at the causes of smartphone addiction, what the potential consequences of this can be and the recommended treatment options available.

Yes, You Can Be Addicted to Your Phone

At Step by Step Recovery addiction rehabs, we regularly treat individuals who have developed a process addiction alongside a substance misuse problem. A process addiction is an addiction to an activity involving ritualistic and obsessive behaviours.
Process addictions are extremely common in today’s society, they can be very self destructive and hurt those close to you, yet they are often overlooked. Smartphone addiction falls into the category of process addictions.
Scientific studies have shown that obsessively checking your phone can lead to depression and anxiety. Receiving notifications from your phone lights up the same reward pathways in the brain that alcohol and drugs do – when you are addicted.
There does not have to be a physically addictive substance involved to develop an addiction. Addiction is created in the human brain and not in the alcohol, drug or activity. The ritualistic behaviour that shrouds addiction is all part of the disease.

Smartphone Addiction Supports Social Media Addiction

The smartphone is a tool for accessing applications that encourage addictive behaviours. This includes highly addictive social media applications and games. It can also be a tool to enable other behavioural addictions such as codependency, gambling, pornography, sex addiction, shopping addiction and love addiction.
Not every individual who owns a smartphone will take an interest in the numerous social media and other various applications available, but research indicates that a high percentage of smartphone users are uncomfortable with the amount of time they spend on their phones.

Smartphone Addiction Is More Common In Individuals With Anxiety And Depression

A UK study conducted by psychologists at Nottingham Trent University and Derby University, studying smartphone usage patterns amongst 640 participants aged between 13 and 69, found those that suffered from anxiety, depression, emotional problems or an unstable home environment were more likely to be addicted to their smartphone.
Professor Zaheer Hussain who assisted in conducting the study from Derby University said: “Problematic smartphone use is more complex than previously thought and our research has highlighted the interplay of various psychological factors in the study of smartphone use.
“Emotional stability is characterised by being stable and emotionally resilient and in our study we found being less emotionally stable was associated with problematic smartphone behaviour.
“This is because people may be experiencing problems in their lives such as stress, anxiety, depression, family problems, so in that state they are emotionally unstable, meaning they may seek respite in very excessive smartphone use. This is worrying.”
The professors concerns are valid, as whilst there is an addiction to address, there is more often than not underlying emotional and psychological factors that require professional exploration, treatment and healing.

Causes of Smartphone Addiction

When we are considering the causes of smartphone addiction, it is important to take into account all contributing factors. There are certain groups of individuals that are at higher risk of developing this emotionally painful disorder.
  • Those suffering from mental health illness such as anxiety and depression
  • Children and teenagers as their brains are still forming and vulnerable to addictive processes, change and substances
  • Those that have an addiction that a smartphone enables and supports
  • Those that have an unstable homelife or stressed work environment
The thing about addiction that many individuals do not understand, is that people who become addicted often have a reason to escape their past or current reality.

Signs and Symptoms of Smartphone Addiction

Signs and symptoms of smartphone addiction include:
  • The thought of losing your smartphone genuinely terrifies you.
  • You obsessively check your phone even when there are no notification noises
  • You are unable to spend any period of time separated from your phone. Examples of this may be whilst you are eating, in bed, with family or friends, watching a movie or doing something that requires concentration and your undivided attention
  • You hear your phone notifications going off when they don’t
  • You feel a rush of anticipation whenever you hear a smartphone notification
  • You display ritualistic behaviours around your phone. Examples of this may be checking your phone throughout the night when you wake up. Taking your phone to bed until you fall asleep. Checking your phone first thing in the morning as soon as you open your eyes and frequently being caught up in activities on your phone that you struggle to stop.
  • You neglect your family and friends and struggle to stay present in favour of using your phone.
  • Others have suggested that you are addicted to your smartphone
  • Others have expressed resentment or upset at the amount you use your phone
  • You feel anxious, depressed, on edge and/or difficulty sleeping

Treatment for Smartphone Addiction

When it comes to treating smartphone addiction successfully, complete abstinence is strongly suggested. Yes, this means trading in your smartphone for phone that just handles the most basic operations, i.e calling and messaging. If you have an addiction, you may well feel discomfort and increased anxiety at first. This will pass.
It is also recommended that you address the underlying causes, this may mean speaking to your GP about how your feeling or asking for some counselling sessions.
If you have a substance addiction in addition to a behavioural addiction, please call Step by Step Recovery. We can assist with a private bespoke drug detox or alcohol detox and abstinence-based recovery programme; tailored to ensure you have a very personalised treatment experience within our private rehabs.
Sources
The Original article Published at stepbysteprecovery
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London Drug Gangs Taking Over Vulnerable People’s Homes

Cuckooing: London Police Raid Drug Den
The crime known as cuckooing, where drug dealers and drug gangs befriend vulnerable individuals so they can use their homes to stash drugs, money, weapons and stolen goods, is escalating to alarming levels in the UK.
Police say thousands of British homes are being infiltrated by ruthless gangs from London who utilize the premises and turn it into what is known as a “trap house”. Staying one step ahead of the law, the drug criminals often use violence, drugs and threats to keep their victims silent.
Cuckooing is not new to the UK, it is a ploy that has been used by drug lords and gang members for many years. Recently, however, this cold-hearted tactic is being used more and more as police crack down on illegal drug distribution through increased targeted raids.

Ruthless Drug Dealers Turn Homes Into Crack Dens

Police sergeant, Diane Hill, who works for the Metropolitan police, said: “Thousands of people across the UK are affected by this. In the last month in Greenwich West we have had three cuckooing incidents. Across the whole of Britain it’s a vast problem.”
Sergeant Hill added: “The gangs befriend people who are too vulnerable to realise what’s going on … They are using their flat for dealing and it is not good thing. Maybe the dealers will pay the electricity bill or buy a TV and then they take over the flat and people are so vulnerable they don’t realise the consequences.”

County Police Work Together As Cuckooing Takes Hold Of UK

County police all over the UK are very much aware of the scale of the problem. Cuckooing mainly affects the poorer communities within the UK.
Vulnerable individuals are specifically targeted as they are considered easy to manipulate and less likely to report the problem.  Dealers are also callously targeting teenagers to sell the drugs for them.
Counties all over the UK including Essex, Northants, Yorkshire, Devon, Bedfordshire, London, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Cardiff and Sussex are all reporting incidents of cuckooing. Many of the drug gangs are London based and this is their way of widening their drug distribution net.
The National Police Chiefs Council lead on drugs, Commander Simon Bray confirmed that police from all over the UK are working together in order to reduce the scale of the problem; he said: “Cuckooing persists as a problem … it is a big problem. There has been investment in coordinating a national hub to bring in information form all forces to gather information.”
Cuckooing Drug Dealers London

Cuckooing Can Involve Heinous Acts Of Crime

BBC news recently reported that according to HM Courts and Tribunal Service, there has been a total of 187 cuckooing convictions in the South of England alone over the past three years.
It is evident from police and news reports that many vulnerable individuals are greatly suffering as a result. In some cases extreme violence is used by the drug dealers in order to keep control of trap houses and their occupants.
In June 2018, two men from London were arrested and convicted of raping two vulnerable women who’s homes they took over in Carlisle to sell and store drugs. The two London drug dealers were combinely sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for rape, drugs offences, possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, money laundering and actual bodily harm.
This is just one of many cuckooing examples where shocking levels of violence have been involved. The vast majority of cuckooing incidents go unreported through fear of reprisals from the gangs responsible.

Drug Addicted Individuals Are Particularly Vulnerable To Cuckooing

Those that suffer from an addiction to Class A drugs such as crack cocaine or heroin, will do almost anything to satisfy the constant craving and compulsion of their drug addiction.
Drug gangs will often reel addicted individuals in by keeping them supplied in drugs and initially gaining their trust. This trust is then exploited as the dealers take over the individuals home and life whilst they are at their most desperate and vulnerable.
Not only will these vulnerable addicts fear the threat of violence from the gangs responsible, but they will also fear their supply of drugs being cut off by the dealers. This makes those with a drug problem prime targets for this particular despicable crime.

What To Do If You Are A Victim Of Cuckooing

If you are a victim of cuckooing it is vital that you tell someone who can help. The police have the power to ensure your safety. If you have a disability or mental health problem be sure to confide in your mental health services, housing association, social worker or carer. Please tell someone, so that you are not alone in dealing with the problem!
Drug dealers thrive on fear; they count on your fear in order to keep their illicit businesses safe.
If you have an addiction to drugs and want help, please get in touch with your local drug and alcohol services. You can also report the issue anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, who are currently running a campaign to clamp down on cuckooing in the UK.
For private addiction treatment help and residential rehab for drug addiction or alcohol rehab in London or Essex area, please call Step by Step Recovery directly or complete our online assessment form.
Sources and References
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