High-functioning alcoholism is a subtype of alcohol use disorder. One study by the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) found that nearly 20% of all alcoholics fall into this category. These individuals tend to be middle-aged, well-educated and have steady jobs and stable families.
A high-functioning alcoholic may have a high-paying job, a beautiful home, a high credit score, a loving family, and a wide circle of friends. They may appear to be a high achiever, or they may even be in a position of power.
Take Columbus Short, for instance. A successful actor who appeared in the TV series Scandal, Short talked about his experiences with alcohol when he visited Amen Clinics to have his brain scanned as part of an episode of Scan My Brain.
“I don’t drink to the point of being wasted,” the actor says to Dr. Jay Faber in the episode. “I never get wasted. I drink enough to keep me functional. I’m a high-functioning alcoholic.”
In the episode, Short reveals that at one point he was drinking approximately 4 shots before 10 am, another 4 during the day, and yet another 4 from 7-9 pm. “That’s way too many,” he acknowledges.
From the outside, it might look as if people like Short have an ideal life. But they don’t. Underneath that successful exterior, they may be struggling with alcohol abuse.
According to Dr. Faber, when our brains aren’t healthy they can fool us into thinking that we aren’t drinking too much. “Our brains are interesting creatures,” Dr. Faber says. When blood flow and activity levels in the brain aren’t optimal, “they can create less clarity about that stuff.”
WHO IS AT RISK FOR HIGH-FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLISM?
According to the NIAAA study, which surveyed 1,484 people who met the criteria for alcohol use disorder, the following risk factors are associated with high-functioning alcoholism:
Family history of alcoholism: Approximately 1 in 3 high-functioning alcoholics have relatives who have struggled with some form of alcohol use disorder, based on the NIAAA statistics. If you have alcoholic parents or other family members who abuse alcohol, be aware that you may be at increased risk.
Having depression: Based on the statistics in the NIAAA survey, about 1 in 4 people with high-functioning alcoholism have had this common mood disorder at some point during their lives. This makes it more important for anyone with major depressive disorder to seek treatment for the condition.
Being a smoker: Nearly half of all high-functioning alcoholics were also smokers, according to the NIAAA findings. If you’re a smoker, it’s critical to quit.
11 SIGNS OF A HIGH-FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLIC
What are the signs and symptoms of high-functioning alcoholism? Here are 11 red flags that you or a loved one might have a drinking problem.
1. They deny having a drinking problem.
High-functioning alcoholics are often in denial. They believe that since their life isn’t falling apart, they don’t have a drinking problem.
2. They hide their alcohol intake from others.
A high-functioning alcoholic is likely to lie about how much they drink. They also tend to drink alone and may have one or more drinks before going out to a restaurant or bar. They may also sneak a few sips from a hidden bottle in their desk at work or in their car. They may also put alcohol in what looks like a water bottle.
3. They get defensive when confronted about alcohol intake.
If friends, coworkers, or loved ones make a comment about how much a person is drinking and they lash out or make excuses, it’s a sign they may have an alcohol addiction.
4. They make excuses for their drinking.
“I’m celebrating!” “It’s Friday!” “I had a bad day.” “It’s game day!” People with this type of alcohol use disorder always seem to have a reason to explain why they’re drinking.
5. They skip meals and drink instead.
People with high-functioning alcoholism may use mealtimes as an excuse to drink. They may take only a few bites of their food or skip it entirely while they consume several drinks.
6. They make light their alcohol use.
One of the common signs of alcoholism is joking about their own drinking habits. They may say things like, “It’s happy hour somewhere,” “It’s always wine o’clock,” or “What’s a weekend without cocktails?”
7. They can’t stop after one drink.
Alcoholics often start the day with the intention that they’re only going to have one drink, but then they end up having 2, 3, or more drinks. The inability to say no to alcohol is one of the signs of alcohol abuse.
8. They frequently cancel or reschedule appointments.
People with alcohol problems tend to flake out on social engagements or may make excuses for missing work meetings.
9. The experience memory lapses.
Drinking too much can cause problems with recall. These people may forget meeting someone or will space out on a conversation they had while drinking. Research shows that these alcohol-induced blackouts may trigger changes in the brain and can lead to mental health symptoms.
10. They attempt to quit drinking but fail.
These individuals often proclaim that they could quit any time they want to, but they can’t. Their efforts to stop drinking are short-lived, and they go back to their old ways.
11. They feel ashamed about their alcohol use.
Although they may appear successful on the exterior, people struggling with high-functioning alcoholism often experience shame and guilt about their drinking. They fear that others will discover how much they’re really drinking, which can cause added stress and lead to anxiety and depression. These all contribute to increased drinking as a way to self-medicate to soothe those feelings.
OVERCOMING HIGH-FUNCTIONING ALCOHOLISM
With the right treatment, it’s possible to heal from excessive alcohol use. For people who are high functioning, it starts by recognizing the signs and admitting that you have a problem.
In addition, it’s especially important to address any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or emotional trauma. Healing from these issues can help you in your journey to overcome your dependence on alcohol.
Substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or food, you may seek help from a 12-step program. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs can be very beneficial for people struggling with addictions. However, there is one key element that’s missing from these addiction recovery programs—the brain.
THE MISSING KEY FROM 12-STEP PROGRAMS
When AA was started in 1935, the founders did not have access to sophisticated neuroimaging techniques. Because of this, they never considered the brain as an integral part of addiction treatment. Today, with advanced brain-imaging tools, we know now that brain health is a critical component of recovery from a substance use disorder or behavioral addiction.
AA, along with Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Overeaters Anonymous (OA), and similar programs are powerful, time-tested, and have worked for millions of people around the world. Yet they clearly do not work for everyone. For example, a study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs showed 43% of AA attendees were sober at 18 months. This means over half relapsed.
One of the reasons for the lower efficacy is that this program and many other addiction recovery programs include no steps to address the physical functioning of the brain, which is the missing link to breaking any addiction.
With this in mind, it’s time for a new 12-step program that is based on neuroscience. This advanced approach builds on the strengths of earlier methods to create a more powerful addiction recovery program.
This updated program uses a more balanced model that includes biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. As you will see, each of these aspects of life play an important role in a person’s ability to overcome alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and other addictions.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs can be very beneficial for people struggling with addictions. However, there is one key element missing from these addiction recovery programs—the brain.
A BRAIN-BASED 12-STEP PROGRAM FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY
Here are the 12 steps to recovery using an updated brain-based addiction treatment model:
Step 1:Know what you want.
Most addiction-recovery programs start with acknowledging trouble, by knowing when you are powerless over a substance or behavior. In fact, it’s better to start one step earlier by knowing exactly what you want in life. To break free from the chains of addiction, you must know your life goals.
What do you want in your relationships, career, and physical and spiritual health? Write it down on a sheet of paper, then ask yourself every day, Is my behavior getting me what I want?
Step 2:Know when your addiction has taken you hostage.
This step is similar to Step 1 in the AA model. Know when you’re powerless and your life has become unmanageable. What are the signs of addiction?
In general, if your behavior (drinking, drugs, eating, shopping, gambling, sex, etc.) gets you into trouble with your relationships, health, work, money, or the law—and you do it again, you have a problem.
Step 3:Make a decision to care for, balance, and repair your brain.
The missing link in nearly all addiction treatment programs is that they don’t look at and assess brain function on a routine basis. If your brain isn’t working at an optimal level (and most addicted brains aren’t), you will have a much harder time getting and staying sober, despite your best efforts.
Step 4:Reach for forgiveness for yourself and others.
To overcome any addiction, you need self-love, self-care, and forgiveness of yourself and others. If you do not love yourself, you won’t take proper care of your brain, and you will likely continue to hurt it.
Forgiveness is the gift that keeps on giving. It is powerful medicine. Research shows a connection between forgiveness and reduced anxiety, depression, and psychiatric disorders. Improving mental health symptoms may lower the tendency to self-medicate.
Step 5:Know your addiction brain type.
All brains are not the same. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that there are different brain types related to personality. Understanding your own brain type is critical to getting the right help for addictions. Here is a quick summary of the 5 basic brain types:
Brain Type 1: Balanced—People with this type tend to have healthy brains overall, which makes them less likely to have addictions.
Brain Type 2: Spontaneous—The brain SPECT scans of this type typically have lower activity in the front of the brain in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is associated with impulsivity and risk-taking.
Brain Type 3: Persistent— People with this brain type often have increased activity in the front part of the brain, in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). Too much activity here means people can get locked into compulsive worries and behaviors that don’t serve them.
Brain Type 4: Sensitive—The SPECT scans of this type generally show increased activity in the limbic or emotional centers of the brain. This can make people prone to negativity, which may lead to self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, or food.
Brain Type 5: Cautious—On SPECT, this brain type is associated with heightened activity in the anxiety centers of the brain, such as the basal ganglia, insular cortex, or amygdala. These individuals may use alcohol and other substances to calm anxiousness.
Step 6:Lock up cravings.
All of us are vulnerable to cravings. When you have addictions, seeing something that reminds you of the substance you use can spark the emotional memory centers in the brain and trigger cravings to indulge in your old behavior. Even after decades of sobriety or steering clear of gambling, bulimia, video games, or porn, your brain is still vulnerable to cravings and those old patterns of behavior.
To conquer your cravings, keep your blood sugar levels balanced, manage stress, and get adequate sleep. In addition, take nutritional supplements that help control cravings, such as N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC), alpha lipoic acid, and chromium.
Step 7:Drip dopamine; stop dumping it to keep the brain’s pleasure centers healthy.
Dopamine is a feel-good chemical. When people take drugs, the amount of dopamine released can be 2-10 times higher than what their brain produces for natural rewards. High-fat, high-sugar food combinations can also light up the brain’s dopamine pathway similar to the way drugs and alcohol do. Dumping dopamine wears out your brain’s pleasure centers.
Find ways to drip dopamine, rather than dumping it. High-value activities that drip dopamine include exercise, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, pleasurable music, hugs, and hand-holding.
Step 8:Eliminate the Pushers and Users who make you vulnerable.
Cultivating bad habits—and good ones—is a team sport. You become like the people you spend time with. Pushers and Users are people who encourage or are complicit in your negative behaviors. Addictions need lots of accomplices to start and sustain them. Avoid them as much as possible.
Step 9:Tame your Dragons from the Past and Kill the ANTs.
Dragons from the Past are the internal beasts that breathe fire on the emotional centers of the brain and keep us stuck in the past. ANTs are automatic negative thoughts that also prevent us from making the changes necessary to achieve an addiction-free life.
Take time to understand how past experiences are driving your addictions. In addition, learn to challenge the ANTs by asking yourself if your negative thoughts are true.
Step 10:Get help from those who have tamed their own addictions.
Success leaves clues. Addiction mentors and support groups are often critical pieces to the healing process. The people you meet at support groups have walked your path and may have strategies that can help you.
You can create your own support group. Simply write down the names of 10 people who will encourage you in your addiction recovery efforts and spend as much time as possible with them.
Step 11:List the people your addictions have hurt, share it with a mentor or sponsor, and make amends if you can.
This is a combination of AA steps that is essential to improve your relationships and to have a better sense of yourself. Now, you can do this step with a better-balanced brain.
None of us exists in a vacuum. Admitting your wrongs to others, asking for forgiveness, and making amends if you’re able can make you less likely to continue the behavior that is hurtful to others.
Step 12: Carry the message of brain health to others and continue to practice these 12 steps.
This last step is similar to the 12th Step of AA and other anonymous programs. If you want to keep your sobriety, you need to share the principles with others. It completely works for brain health, too. Your brain is always listening to what you do, but it is also listening to the actions of others. Make sure you are sharing brain health, not illness, with those you love.
When you follow these brain-based steps, you will be more likely to achieve and maintain freedom from your addictions and bad habits.
Addictions and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. For years, studies have suggested that drinking alcohol in moderation is associated with a host of health benefits. But newer research dispels those claims, finding zero health benefits from moderate consumption of alcohol. Moderate drinking is defined as 1-2 drinks per day. In fact, alcohol is the opposite of a health tonic and, instead, causes problems in the brain and body.
Researchers behind the most recent findings about alcohol and health, published in JAMA, analyzed 107 studies including nearly 5 million participants. They found that many of those studies were flawed, and many of them were funded by the alcohol industry.
For years, studies have suggested that drinking alcohol in moderation is associated with a host of health benefits. But newer research dispels those claims, finding zero health benefits from moderate consumption of alcohol.
Far from serving as a health tonic, it turns out that even lower alcohol consumption rates cause harm. In fact, the consumption of any alcohol—even the smallest amount—disrupts the development of white matter and function in the brain. Think of the white matter as superhighways in the brain that increase processing speed.
Drinking harms the brain in many ways, including the following alcohol health risks:
1. Increasing the risk of dementia
Moderate to heavy drinkers have a 57% higher risk of dementia compared to nondrinkers or light drinkers, according to a 2015 study.
2. Shrinking brain volume
Nondrinkers have larger brains than people who consume 1-7 drinks a week, according to a 2008 Johns Hopkins study that appeared in the Archives of Neurology.
3. Reducing blood flow to the brain
On brain SPECT scans, which measure blood flow and activity in the brain, heavy drinkers show lowered blood flow to the brain. This can lead to brain fog, poor decision-making, and impulsivity among other problems. Of critical importance is the fact that reduced blood flow to the brain is the #1 brain-imaging predictor of future memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Atrophy of the hippocampus
A 30-year study of 550 men and women, published in 2017 in BMJ, found that drinking 1-2 glasses of wine a day causes the hippocampus to atrophy. The hippocampus is a critical part of the brain focused on learning and memory.
5. Reducing the number of new brain cells
In a study presented at Neuroscience in 2009, monkeys that consumed alcohol showed a 58% decline in the creation of new brain cells and a 63% reduction in the survival rate of new brain cells.
In short, drinking can literally make you lose your mind. Beyond the harm to the brain, alcohol degrades the body at nearly every other level, as well.
MORE ALCOHOL HEALTH RISKS
Your ability to stay balanced while walking or exercising, your ability to focus your vision, your reaction time, and your good judgment and behavior are all negatively impacted by alcohol use. All of these impairments increase your risk of injury and, thereby, death.
Overall, alcohol is the third-leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Nearly 30% of all deaths attributable to alcohol were due to injuries in 2016, according to global statistics. These causes include car accidents, drownings, falls, and injuries from violence, according to the NIAA.
Alcohol use also impairs liver function. Any excessive alcohol use, even over a couple of days, can contribute to fatty liver disease. It can also increase digestive problems by inflaming the stomach and causing heartburn, acid reflux, and esophageal disorders. Alcohol-driven intestinal disorders can lead to cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, neurological health issues, and irritable bowel syndrome, according to research.
RESTORING HEALTH AFTER ALCOHOL USE
The good news is that whether you’re a light, moderate, or heavy drinker, it’s possible to improve brain and body health. Here are 6 strategies that help reduce alcohol health risks.
1. Stop drinking alcohol.
Based on the new science, eliminating alcohol is best for your brain function, mental well-being, and overall physical health.
2. Keep your goals in mind.
To help curb the temptation to drink socially, think about your goals in life. Do you want to be happy, healthy, successful, and in a fulfilling relationship? When you feel the urge to grab a beer or a glass of wine, ask yourself, “Does this fit?”
Will this behavior help you get what you want from life? Or will drinking steal your happiness, diminish your health, and cause trouble in other areas of your life?
3. Learn to say no to drinking.
Drinking is part of the social fabric of life in the United States. People drink to celebrate holidays, weddings, birthdays, graduations, Fridays, and many other occasions.
On a regular basis, you are likely to come across people who encourage you to join them for a drink. Living an alcohol-free life means finding ways to say no to alcohol in social situations.
4. Consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
If drinking has impacted the health of your brain and body, HBOT may be beneficial. HBOT is a non-invasive treatment that uses pure oxygen to accelerate the healing process.
For example, research shows that HBOT boosts blood flow to the brain. And considering that alcohol is a toxic substance, another benefit of HBOT lies in its detoxification effects.
5. Keep your blood sugar balanced.
Low blood sugar levels are associated with lower overall brain activity, including lower activity in the PFC. Low brain activity here is associated with increased cravings, poorer decisions, and a greater likelihood of giving in to temptations.
Low blood sugar levels can also make you feel hungry, irritable, or anxious. All of these make you more likely to reach for an alcoholic drink.
6. Make brain-heathy habits a priority.
To counter the negative effects of drinking, eat nutritious foods, move your body daily, and get adequate sleep.
Alcohol use disorder, addictions, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Science now knows that addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a chronic brain disorder that can affect anyone. The dopamine surge and activation of the brain’s reward centers that results from an addictive substance or behavior can, with continued use, create cravings, the loss of control, and the compulsion to continue use despite consequences. These are all part of the addiction cycle. One way to avoid the cycle of addiction is to be aware of what makes you vulnerable to it. Here are 11 things that increase your risk of addiction.
Head injury can make you more vulnerable to addiction – especially if the injury compromises areas of the brain responsible for reward, judgment, and impulse control.
Sleep deprivation interferes with connections between your brain’s prefrontal cortex (involved in planning, judgment, and impulse control) and its limbic system (emotional centers) and reward network, according to research, which results in a greater likelihood of irrational behavior and poor judgment. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, poor sleep downregulates dopamine receptors, which makes people more impulsive and vulnerable to seeking the excitement drugs offer.
2. Being under the age of 25.
In adolescents and young adulthood, the brain is still developing and maturing. The brain’s prefrontal cortex (PFC)—responsible for planning, judgment, and impulse control—is not fully developed until approximately age 25. The brain matures by becoming more interconnected and more specialized. However, in young people, connections are weak among the PFC itself, as well as between the PFC and areas involved in the brain’s reward system. All of this means that young people are particularly vulnerable to drug and alcohol addiction and behavioral addictions (also called process addictions) as their ability to evaluate risk, weigh consequences, control impulses, and make smart decisions is not developed.
3. Head injuries.
When you understand that addiction starts in the brain, it makes sense that head injury can make you more vulnerable to addiction—especially if the injury compromises areas of the brain responsible for reward, judgment, and impulse control. Some research indicates that head injuries sustained in early life can damage the reward pathway networks that are characteristically underdeveloped during childhood and adolescence. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can interrupt the ongoing maturation of these areas and predispose one to substance use disorder later in life. Another concern is that head injuries are associated with a higher incidence of mood disorders, which may make one more susceptible to addiction as a means of coping.
4. Having ADD/ADHD.
Untreated ADD/ADHD makes a number of adverse long-term conditions more likely, including a greater prevalence of substance use disorder, research has found. In fact, one meta-analysis shows that every fifth patient suffering from substance addiction could be diagnosed with co-existing ADD/ADHD. This common condition is often associated with low activity in the PFC. The condition’s hallmark symptoms of impulsivity and poor judgment may, to some degree, explain the higher prevalence of addiction. Additionally, individuals with ADD/ADHD may turn to drugs to self-medicate. There also may be a genetic link between ADD/ADHD and the vulnerability to addiction.
5. Coronary artery surgery.
Opioid use for pain management post-coronary surgery puts individuals at higher risk for addiction. Heart surgery is also known to negatively impact brain function, which also may increase the chances of addiction. Nearly 10% of cardiac surgery patients developed new “persistent opioid use,” according to one 2020 study that involved more than 36,000 cardiac patients. Interestingly, the patients who underwent coronary artery surgery were among the most susceptible to substance use issues. A 2018 Canadian study also indicated this vulnerability in patients who underwent coronary artery surgery, finding 21.7% of patients who used opioids reported ongoing opioid use 3 months post-op.
6. Caffeine.
Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive drug in the world. It’s advised that caffeine consumption be limited to avoid addiction. Yet consumers love coffee, tea, and energy drinks with caffeine for their stimulating effect. Caffeine promotes alertness, concentration, and optimism. However, as with all addictive substances, more and more is needed to produce the same effect. Over time, caffeine may not provide the same level of mood and cognitive boost. As a result, some people may seek out more dangerous stimulating drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine. Young people are known to combine caffeine-laden energy drinks with stimulant drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy), research has noted.
7. Frontal lobe dementia.
People who suffer from frontal lobe dementia are at greater risk of behavioral problems such as aggression, changes in personality, irritability, apathy, lack of empathy, depression, and addiction, research has found. That’s because a characteristic of frontal lobe dementia is behavioral disinhibition, which can manifest in substance use, studies report. In fact, researchers are now exploring how frontal lobe dementia may be linked to late-onset alcohol use disorder.
8. Medications.
When you take medications, such as opioids for pain, depressants for anxiety or sleeplessness, or stimulants for attention problems, you are at greater risk for addiction. Medical experts advise that if these medications are not taken as directed, they can activate the brain’s reward centers, which leads to physical dependence. In fact, the Mayo Clinic warns that taking opioid medications for even “more than a few days increases your risk of long-term use, which increases your risk of addiction.”
9. Low blood sugar.
Your brain needs a steady supply of glucose to run optimally. Low blood sugar levels are associated with lower brain activity, including lower activity in the PFC. An underperforming PFC makes you vulnerable to poor decisions, lack of self-control, and impulsiveness. Indeed, research shows that self-control failures are more likely to occur when blood sugar levels are low. Self-control failure of course is a major feature of all addictions. It is well understood by medical experts that people with alcohol abuse problems tend to suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) too. In fact, one recent study made balancing blood sugar part of a treatment program for recovering alcoholics.
10. Sugar-Filled Treats.
Sugar-filled treats may seem benign if enjoyed on occasion, but in terms of the reward centers of the brain and addiction potential, the sweet white granules may be as addicting as another white powder—cocaine. Research using animal models indicates that the effects of heavy sugar consumption produce neurochemical changes in the brain that also occur with addictive drugs. When an individual consumes a sugary treat, the brain produces a large surge of dopamine—not unlike the dopamine surge triggered by heroin and cocaine, which can lead to intense sugar cravings. Researchers think that the feel-good dopamine boost might be because our bodies have adapted over time to seek out foods (such as sweets) that are high in calories to ensure survival.
11. High-carb foods.
Ultra-processed refined carbohydrates found in snack foods—such as chips, crackers, pizza, cookies, baked goods, and soft drinks—play on the same reward centers of the mind that sugar and cocaine do and are highly addictive. Indeed, a 2018 study found that high-glycemic index, carbohydrate-rich foods are addictive and lead to obesity. When researchers at Yale University set out to track the addictive-like qualities of certain foods with the development of the Yale Food Addiction Scale, many questions about eating behavior involved the consumption of high-carbohydrate foods because they are among the most addictive.
Knowing the factors that increase vulnerability to addiction and eliminating them, when possible, can help you avoid becoming caught in the grips of addiction. If you’re in recovery, avoiding these risk factors is one of the keys to lasting healing.
Addiction and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Americans love to gamble. Whether it’s betting on the Super Bowl, playing the slot machines in Las Vegas, or buying lottery tickets, we get a thrill out of it. For most people, it’s an occasional recreational activity that doesn’t affect everyday life. For some, excessive gambling becomes a serious problem that ruins financial well-being, devastates relationships at home and at work, and impacts mental health. In fact, about 1% of the population develops a gambling disorder, which is considered a behavioral addiction. How can some people have fun gambling occasionally while others develop a compulsive gambling addiction? It all depends on the brain.
About 1% of the population develops a gambling disorder, which is considered a behavioral addiction. How can some people have fun gambling occasionally while others develop a compulsive gambling addiction? It all depends on the brain.
What are the signs that you might have a gambling problem? In general, if gambling interferes with your life in any way, then it’s a problem. Signs that you may have a problem include:
Keeping your gambling habit a secret from loved ones
Experiencing a high from placing large bets
Using gambling to escape from everyday problems
Feeling compelled to gamble to relieve feelings of discomfort
Gambling even though you’re in debt
Having trouble in your relationships due to gambling
Getting in trouble with the law or failing to pay bills
Acting in ways that are out of character, such as lying or stealing
Continuing to gamble despite the consequences
If you or a loved one has any of these warning signs, it may be time to seek professional help and to investigate the factors that may be contributing to the problem.
RISK ACTORS FOR GAMBLING ADDICTION
Several factors can increase your risk for pathological gambling.
Adolescents and teens are more likely to develop a gambling addiction than adults. Approximately 1%-7% of young people have a serious problem compared with just 1% of adults, according to a 2021 study in The Lancet. In this study, 11% of kids ages 11-16 said they had gambled money in the previous 7 days and 36% of youngsters in that age range had done so within the past year. Gambling is also more prevalent among college students with an estimated 6% meeting the criteria for a serious problem.
Gambling problems are more common in men than in women. A report from Australian researchers on the differences in gambling behavior between the sexes concluded that the lifetime prevalence of a gambling disorder was twice as high in men compared with women. According to their findings, males are more likely to engage in race wagering, sports betting, electronic gaming machines, and table games while women are more apt to gamble on raffles, sweepstakes, and competitions.
Brain health issues. It is common for individuals with a gambling problem to have other psychiatric or behavioral issues, which neuroimaging shows are really brain health issues. In fact, individuals with psychiatric conditions are 17 times more likely to have a gambling disorder, according to a study in Psychological Medicine. A review of 36 scientific studies found that gambling problems are associated with high rates of other conditions, including ADD/ADHD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and more.
Research suggests that there is a heritability factor in gambling addictions. A meta-analysis of 18 twin studies in Frontiers in Psychology concluded that gambling disorders are 50% due to genetics.
Environmental factors. Living near casinos, being in close proximity to racing venues that allow betting, or having friends who gamble may contribute to increased risk for a problem. The meta-analysis in Frontiers in Psychology mentioned above also found that gambling disorders are 50% due to environmental factors.
HOW ADDICTIONS HIJACK THE SELF-CONTROL CIRCUITS IN THE BRAIN
In the human brain, drive circuits in the deep limbic system motivate you to seek out things that bring you pleasure. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) acts as the brain’s brake by providing impulse control. These two systems work together to create the self-control circuit.
When the self-control circuit is healthy, the deep limbic system supplies an appropriate dose of motivation so you can go for your goals, while an effective PFC provides impulse control and good judgment to keep those drives in check.
Also playing a role in the self-control circuit is the neurotransmitter dopamine, which acts as a motivator to pursue your passions in life. Again, a strong PFC acts as a braking mechanism so you don’t get out of control.
When these brain regions and neurochemicals are in balance, it helps you resist urges to gamble. It’s what helps you keep gambling, or any other addictive behavior or substance, from becoming a problem.
When the PFC is underactive—whether it’s due to past head trauma, a condition such as ADD/ADHD, exposure to toxins, infection, or other underlying causes—it can create an imbalance with the drive circuits and lead you to lose control over your behavior. Having low activity in the PFC often results in a tendency for impulse-control problems and poor self-supervision.
GAMBLING DISORDERS AND THE BRAIN
Researchers have been studying addicted drive circuits in the brains of substance abusers for many years. Thanks to a growing body of brain-imaging studies, they are now seeing similar brain patterns in people with behavioral addictions, also called process addictions, such as gambling.
Decreased prefrontal cortex function: At Amen Clinics, which has built the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior, people with addictions, including compulsive gambling, tend to have low activity in the PFC. Other research confirms this finding. For example, in a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry People with a gambling disorder had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during a gambling task compared to healthy controls.
Increased dopamine: One study looking into the role of dopamine in gambling behavior found that during gambling tasks, greater amounts of dopamine are released in people with a gambling disorder. One surprising finding in this study is that in pathological gamblers, more dopamine is released when they lose money rather than when they gain money. This may help explain why some people continue gambling despite losses.
Impaired decision-making and risk-taking: Findings from a clinical trial show that pathological gamblers have decision-making deficits and take greater risks compared to healthy controls.
Reduced gray matter volume: Brain-imaging research in Addiction Biology found that individuals with pathological gambling problems have deficits in gray matter volume in the frontal cortex. These deficits are similar to those seen in people with alcohol and substance use disorders.
OVERCOMING GAMBLING ADDICTION
To overcome a gambling problem, it’s important to enhance PFC function to improve impulse control and help rebalance the self-control circuit. Here are 7 natural ways to boost your PFC:
Consider taking nutritional supplements, such as rhodiola, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, and green tea extract
Overcoming gambling addiction, or any other addiction, requires a comprehensive approach that includes biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. In addition to strengthening your PFC, look at the other areas of your life that also need improvement and optimize them.
Gambling disorders, other addictions, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Because it is widely available and socially acceptable, it’s easy to overlook the increased risk even moderate alcohol consumption can pose for disease, injury, and mortality. Yet, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States! A November 2022 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) brief alarmingly reported that alcohol-induced deaths jumped a whopping 26% between 2019 and 2020.
The truth is alcohol kills, sometimes quickly, but more often slowly – in the following ways.
The truth is alcohol kills, sometimes quickly, but more often slowly.
Most of us know that heavy drinking is not good for our hearts. Indeed, the CDC reports that heavy drinking can cause heart disease, but what if you enjoy a glass of wine several times a week?
It now appears that all types of drinking alcohol, even moderate drinking, may be associated with an increased risk for heart disease, according to a study from 2022 on habitual alcohol use and cardiovascular disease risk published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network. This finding counters the idea that moderate drinking provides heart health benefits, a conclusion that came from observational studies that many researchers now believe to be faulty.
The World Heart Federation also warns against any alcohol consumption in its 2022 Policy Brief due to its ill effects on health, especially heart health, referencing research that found moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk for stroke, heart failure, fatal hypertension, fatal aortic aneurysm, and coronary heart disease.
2. Increases Cancer Risk
Consuming alcohol is strongly associated with an increased risk of cancer and cancer mortality. In fact, the American Cancer Society recently updated its Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention stating it’s best “not to drink alcohol at all.”
The change in policy recommendation came from a study published in Cancer Epidemiology that found alcohol plays a role in a significant amount of cancer diagnoses and deaths among Americans. Specifically, alcohol consumption was most strongly linked to cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, and breasts.
3. Compromises Your Brain
Although alcohol may increase brain chemicals that make you feel good, it is not good for the brain! A 2016 review indicates that those who abuse alcohol regularly show evidence of damage in certain areas of the brain—such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), involved in decision-making and controlling impulses, and the hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory, learning, and mood.
Heavy drinking may also lower neurogenesis—the generation of new brain cells, according to animal research showing a dramatic decline (58%) in the formation and survival rate of new brain cells associated with alcohol consumption. Some of these ill effects may be due, in part, to decreased blood flow to the brain, which is a consequence of heavy drinking, brain scans have shown. Alcohol inhibits the healthy blood flow your brain needs to work optimally.
Research shows that alcohol, even in moderate amounts (1-7 drinks a week), is associated with lower total brain volume. The more you drink, the greater the brain volume shrinkage. This has been reflected in brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics as well. It’s not surprising that compared with non-drinkers and light drinkers, moderate (more than a drink a day) to heavy drinkers have a 57% higher risk of dementia, according to a population-based study.
4. Greater Risk of Mental Health Disorders
While a little alcohol can take the edge off temporarily, research shows it to be more of a detriment to mental health long-term. Regular, heavy drinking interferes with certain brain chemicals that are critical to good mental health. Indeed, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) reports that alcohol abuse and or dependence can lead to a host of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Alcohol abuse is also associated with higher suicide risk due to its disinhibition, impulsiveness, and impaired judgment effects. Research conducted on completed suicides shows that alcoholics account for roughly 20–40% of all suicides.
5. Increases in Infectious Diseases
Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can make you sick to your stomach, but fewer people are aware of how much more susceptible drinking makes you to communicable diseases, research shows.
Drinking excessively stokes inflammation and impairs the immune response, making you more vulnerable to both bacterial and viral infections, and decreases response to vaccination. For some heavy drinkers during the COVID pandemic, this alcohol-driven hit to the immune system was deadly. Additionally, losing your inhibitions while inebriated can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including life-threatening ones like HIV, through condomless sex.
6. More Vulnerable to Injury
Moderate alcohol consumption has been observed to negatively impact balance, ability to focus visually, reaction time, good judgment, and behavior, which increases the risk of injury.
According to world statistics, 28.7% of all deaths attributed to alcohol consumption were due to injuries in 2016 (the most recent year of recorded stats). Alcohol consumption is linked to a greater risk of car accidents, drownings, injuries from violence, and falls, according to the NIAA. It also increases your risk of head injury in the form of concussions.
7. Higher Incidence of Digestive Disease
Heavy drinking can lead to stomach inflammation—and that causes acid reflux and heartburn, and in some cases, even long-term esophageal issues. In your gut, alcohol can damage the lining and disrupt your microbiome, causing an imbalance in favor of the bad bacteria. Moderate and heavy drinking both increase the risk of colon cancer, compared to no alcohol consumption.
A review study in Alcohol Research found that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with intestinal inflammation, altered intestinal microbiota composition and function, and increased intestinal lining permeability (leaky gut). What’s more, researchers believe that this alcohol-induced intestinal inflammation may drive a number of alcohol-related organ dysfunctions and chronic disorders, such as chronic liver disease, neurological health issues, GI cancers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
8. Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (also called alcohol dependence, addiction, or alcoholism) increases your risk of every health issue mentioned above. Imagine slowly poisoning a plant with small amounts of a toxic liquid substance. That’s akin to what chronic alcohol abuse does to your body. It slowly erodes multiple areas of health and takes years off your life.
The CDC reports that more than 140,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in the U.S. each year, and those people’s lives were shortened by an average of 26 years!
9. Kills Your Liver Function
Any time you drink more alcohol than your liver can process, it causes problems. If you consume a large amount of alcohol, even for just a few days, it can lead to a build-up of fats in the liver, which is called alcoholic fatty liver disease. While it is usually heavy drinking that harms the liver, moderate drinking can cause some degree of fatty liver.
Long-term alcohol abuse seen in alcoholics may cause swelling and inflammation (hepatitis) of the liver. Over time, this can lead to permanent damage and scarring, which is called cirrhosis of the liver—known as the final phase of alcoholic liver disease. Roughly 43% of liver disease deaths in the U.S. are related to alcohol consumption.
Alcohol problems and mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are you struggling with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, prescription medications, or street drugs? Most likely, you assume your addiction is due to weakness, a character flaw, or a lack of self-control. This is not surprising, considering this is probably the overarching message you’re hearing from your friends and family.
“Why are you such a screw-up?” “Why are you always letting me down?”“Why can’t you be more reliable?”
When you finally make the decision to seek help for a drinking or drug use problem, you probably feel like you’ve let yourself down and let your loved ones down too. Even worse, you may believe it’s your fault or that you deserve a life of misery. Brain imaging changes these inaccurate and harmful beliefs.
If you’re struggling with addiction, you may believe it’s your fault or that you deserve a life of misery. Brain imaging changes these inaccurate and harmful beliefs.
In working with thousands of substance abusers, we have found that brain SPECT imaging helps people realize that addiction is clearly a brain disease, not the result of a character flaw or personal weakness that can never be treated. SPECT is a brain imaging technology that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It shows areas of the brain with healthy activity, too little activity, and too much activity.
Brain imaging helps people to think of addiction in the same way you would think of any other disease. Take diabetes, for example, which is a disease of the pancreas that leads to problems with insulin and blood sugar. Diabetes can lead to medical and behavioral consequences. With the proper treatment, it can often be controlled so that diabetics can live a satisfying life.
Similarly, addiction is a disease that can lead to problems with physical health and behavioral issues. With a brain-based approach to treatment, addiction can often be controlled so you can regain control of your life.
HOW BRAIN IMAGING HELPS ALLEVIATE ADDICTION STIGMA
Realizing that addiction is a brain disease can be very powerful because it alleviates some of the stigma attached to substance abuse and bad behaviors. No longer do you have to feel like you’re a bad person for having addictions or that the questionable behaviors you engage in while high or drunk define who you are as a person.
Take Nadine, 17, for example. When this teenager entered a drug program, she admitted that she felt like a loser because she would get drunk and then have sex with anyone. She was quick to label herself by saying, “I’m a slut.” But when she was asked if she was also promiscuous when she was sober, she said no. She had never had sex with anyone when she was sober.
After looking at SPECT scans of brains damaged by alcohol and drug use compared to healthy brains, Nadine began to understand that her problems were not due to a character flaw, but to a brain problem. This helped her stop thinking of herself in such a negative and damaging way and gave her hope that she could change.
BRAIN IMAGING INCREASES UNDERSTANDING AND FORGIVENESS IN FAMILIES
Realizing that addiction and substance abuse are brain diseases can also help parents understand that it isn’t your fault if your child has an addiction. Including the entire family in treatment plans is important. Many parents of substance abusers mercilessly beat themselves up over their child’s problems.
“If only I had taken him to that Giants baseball game when he was seven instead of working, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault.” “If I had paid more attention to who she was hanging around with, I could have prevented this.”“I should have made him transfer to another school.”
Parents often play the blame game with each other too.
“If you would have been home more often, you would have seen what was happening.”“You were always too lenient with her, letting her do whatever she wanted.”“You were so strict, you alienated him.”
These thinking patterns are so detrimental to treatment and recovery. By contrast, focusing on addiction as a brain disease helps the entire family look at the brain as the organ that needs to be treated in order for the person with the addiction to get better.
Note that the concept of addiction as a brain disease does not relieve you of taking responsibility for your actions and behaviors. It gives you a better understanding of how your brain plays the central role in your addiction and how taking care of your brain is the key to breaking free from those addictions and behaviors.
BRAIN IMAGING HELPS IDENTIFY COMORBID CONDITIONS
People with addictions often have co-existing conditions, such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ADD/ADHD. Brain imaging helps identify these co-occurring disorders, as well as past head injuries, which are also associated with increased risk for addictions.
We once treated a 42-year-old woman who had failed 6 alcohol treatment programs. She desperately wanted to stop drinking alcohol, but she couldn’t follow through with any of the programs because she was so impulsive. She just couldn’t say no whenever alcohol was around.
Her brain scans showed severe damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC)—a brain region involved in impulse control, judgment, and learning from one’s mistakes—due to a head injury. It turned out that she had been kicked in the head by a horse when she was 10 years old. She had no supervisor in her head.
The PFC acts like the brain’s brake, telling you to stop before engaging in detrimental behaviors. Without this internal supervisor, she constantly gave in to her cravings for alcohol. If we didn’t address the damaged PFC, she would never be able to recover. Giving her a treatment plan to enhance PFC function was very helpful to her and allowed her to follow through on an alcohol treatment program.
Comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, or head injuries, all need to be treated in addition to treating the addiction. You can have the greatest addiction treatment plan available or enter the most well-respected treatment center, but if you have underlying brain dysfunction, chances are you won’t be able to follow through with the program. For lasting success, the brain problems must be treated in addition to the addiction.
BRAIN IMAGING HELPS SHOW PROGRESS
There is no better way to find out if a treatment program is working than to see before-and-after images of the brain. Scans clearly show when a treatment plan is effectively healing the brain or when it needs to be adjusted. Thanks to imaging, small adjustments can be made to a person’s program to promote even faster healing, so it will be easier for you to break free from the addictions that steal your life.
For patients, seeing the progress they have made can be a tremendous motivator to continue on the road to freedom from addiction. Even the slightest improvements in brain health can encourage you to stay on the right track.
Substance abuse disorders, alcohol use disorders, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Cali sober, or California sober, is a “newish” term that refers to the benefits of semi-sobriety, or leading a more sober lifestyle than you had before. Followers say they have started drinking less, or swapping out their glass of wine in favor of marijuana or psychedelics like mushrooms.
But is a Cali sober lifestyle safe, or does it still harm your brain, mood, and cognitive function?
“I’m California sober,” crooned Lovato, who came close to dying from a drug overdose in 2018. “It doesn’t have to mean the growing part is over.”
Used to live in fear of always slippingBut living for perfection isn’t living, I ran a little slower, now I’m tripping, A beautiful and magical beginning.
By consuming fewer, or supposedly less-harmful intoxicants, Cali sober adherents claim they are cleaning up their acts, at least a bit, and are the better for it.
While it’s both logical, and scientifically supported, that reducing consumption of mind-altering substances corresponds to a reduction in physical harm, it does not eliminate it. Far from it, in fact. Mounting research shows that strikingly low levels of alcohol, and other substances, can have far more negative consequences for a person’s brain health—both right away and over the long-term—than is commonly believed.
CALI SOBER AND THE DANGEROUS ALLURE OF ‘JUST ONE DRINK’
One new study, published in Science Daily in August, found that even one drink a day can reduce a person’s brain size. That solo drink can permanently impact the brain’s neurons, the way they interact and the way their mitochondria operate, the study found.
“These results suggest that even a single consumption event can lay the foundation for alcohol addiction,” according to the authors of the study.
The authors used a large data set, scrutinizing brain MRIs from more than 36,000 middle-aged to older adults in the United Kingdom. The scans showed that the white and gray matter in the study participants’ brains shrunk with even light-to-moderate alcohol use. In another finding that supports the central Cali sober idea, the study did reveal that the heaviest alcohol users benefited greatly from cutting back from three glasses to two glasses a night.
But while this is true, it does not address the damage done by such seemingly moderate alcohol consumption.
The news isn’t much better when it comes to embracing marijuana or psychedelics as “healthier” substitutes for drinking.
CALI SOBER AND MARIJUANA: NOT SO INNOCUOUS AFTER ALL
Even using marijuana temporarily can impair the creation of memories and expose people to the risk of cognitive dysfunction as they age, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. The researchers followed more than 5,000 people for more than 25 years beginning in 1986 through 2011. For every additional five years of marijuana use, participants remembered one fewer word from a list of 15 words.
Adolescents who use cannabis run a higher risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, according to a 2019 review in JAMA Psychiatry. Equally worrisome, as many as 10% of new cases of psychosis—the temporary inability to distinguish what is real from what isn’t—may be associated with taking high-potency cannabis, according to research in The Lancet Psychiatry.
When it comes to the greatest contributing risk factors in speeding up how quickly a brain ages, the use of cannabis came in second, after schizophrenia, according to an Amen Clinics brain imaging study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study involved a review of 62,454 brain SPECT scans, in a collaboration between Amen Clinics, Google, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of California in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The study found that while alcohol abuse represented 0.6 years of accelerated aging, cannabis abuse was even worse, representing 2.8 years of accelerated aging. At number one on the list, schizophrenia represented 4 years.
“The cannabis abuse finding was especially important, as our culture is starting to see marijuana as an innocuous substance,” Dr. Daniel Amen said of the investigation. “This study should give us pause about it.
FROM MUSHROOMS TO MOLLY—MORE CAUSE FOR CONCERN IF YOU’RE CALI SOBER
When it comes to psilocybin, the psychoactive chemical in magic mushrooms, more research needs to be done, but early findings suggest people should approach them with caution.
A 2020 brain imaging study in the journal NeuroImage found that psilocybin drug lowers activity in a part of the brain called the claustrum by studying brain scans of people before and after they took the drug.
Although people who take mushrooms famously report effects that range from seeing colors more vividly, to thinking unusual thoughts and feelings of euphoria, it’s not the case for everybody. Some people report nausea, numbness, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, fear, and feeling depressed.
And while MDMA, also known by the street drug names Ecstasy or Molly, releases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—all neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and well-being—there can be downsides. Levels of serotonin, for example, can be depleted following the use of MDMA, prompting adverse psychological impacts. Regions of the brain associated with impulse control and attention, working memory, and visual information processing can be impacted by long-term MDMA use.
IS CALI SOBER HEALTHY?
Let’s return to the allure of that single glass of wine.
At Amen Clinics, the evidence from brain imaging studies demonstrates that even one glass of beer or wine per day can be directly toxic to brain function. The SPECT scans of people who drink excessively—more than three drinks a week—appear toxic. More generally, alcohol can harm the brain and body in numerous ways. It is associated with:
Sleep disruption
Peripheral neuropathies (pain and tingling in hands, legs, and feet). This refers to damage to neurons, especially those in the cerebellum, which is involved in physical and thought coordination, and mood.
Fatty liver disease
Malabsorption of vitamin B1, which predisposes people to serious cognitive problems.
Decreased firing in the prefrontal cortex, the seat of our personalities, and the part of the brain that oversees cognitive decision-making.
Increased sugar abuse
Over-stimulated appetite, by keeping a person seated at the table and continuing to eat past the point of feeling full.
Increased insulin production, which can lower blood sugar levels, impairing decision-making.
Increased risk of cancer and physical injuries. A known carcinogen, alcohol is associated with 5.8% of all cancer deaths.
Traffic fatalities. Just under a third of all traffic-related deaths involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).
It should come as no surprise that the state of California itself—while associated in name with the Cali sober movement—is under no illusions about the risks of semi-sobriety. Electronic signs on California freeways, as elsewhere in the country, continue to flash an unequivocal message: “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”
To put it simply, no matter all the ways our culture relentlessly romanticizes it, alcohol is not a health food. The only truly healthy relationship with it is entire abstinence, aka a fully sober life, not a semi-sober one.
Given the evidence about the dangers posed by even moderate alcohol consumption, perhaps the fad should be renamed—far more realistically—Cali buzzed. Today, that’s an idea that even Demi Lovato might agree with. Less than a year after their “California Sober” song came out, the singer changed their tune.
“I no longer support my California sober ways,” Lovato said on Instagram in December 2021, sparking widespread headlines regarding the about-face. “Sober sober is the only way to be.”
Substance abuse and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
We know that alcohol can damage the brain, disrupt sleep, and lead to addiction. Cannabis, too, can create dependence, while inhibiting blood flow to the brain and impairing short- and long-term memory. But both of these popular drugs have additional serious side effects that you might not have heard about—including the risk of delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), psychosis describes “a break with reality,” and 3 in 100 people may experience an episode at some point in their lives, with about 100,000 young people affected every year. Psychosis itself is a symptom, not an illness, and may include delusions and hallucinations—two types of responses that may occur as a result of psychotic disorders.
Alcohol and marijuana both have additional serious side effects that you might not have heard about—including the risk of delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis.
One point to note, according to American Addiction Centers, is that while hallucinogenic drugs may cause users to see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there, these side effects are not the same as psychosis (though having an adverse reaction to, or taking too much of, these types of drugs can lead to disturbing symptoms like delusions and paranoia). Findings from a study in Experimental Neurobiology show that substances like PCP and LSD are known for causing short-term or long-term effects on the experience of reality, but drugs considered “less harmful” and often legalized (such as alcohol and marijuana) are also associated with psychosis—either while on the drug, or when attempting to stop taking it after prolonged use.
DELUSIONS, HALLUCINATIONS, AND OTHER PSYCHOSIS SYMPTOMS
NAMI notes that psychosis, overall, is “characterized as disruptions to a person’s thoughts and perceptions that make it difficult for them to recognize what is real and what isn’t.” One manifestation of this kind of skewed experience among drug users is having delusions, which involves clinging to beliefs that have no basis in reality. For example, a person may believe that the federal government has installed surveillance to spy on them, even though no evidence of this exists. Hallucinations, on the other hand, involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or having unusual bodily sensations, such as the feeling that bugs are crawling on the skin.
Other psychotic symptoms include disorganized thinking and incoherent speech; abnormal or disorganized movements, including catatonia, or lack of movement; diminished emotional expression; and “negative symptoms” (lack of engagement in activities, speaking, socializing, etc.). In general, psychotic symptoms can range from mild to severe, causing levels of impairment that can affect an individual’s ability to function, leading them to struggle with basic tasks like maintaining interpersonal relationships, attending work or school, and keeping up with basic self-care.
CANNABIS, ALCOHOL, AND PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS
Substance-induced psychotic disorder is the term used for a person experiencing any of the above symptoms as a result of taking or withdrawing from a drug (and, as a reminder, alcohol is a drug that can damage the brain). Cannabis-induced psychosis seems to occur even more commonly today, as new and stronger strains of the drug circulate, and as legalization efforts increase their usage and acceptance. Research shows that marijuana increases the risk for psychosis, and the findings of a 2019 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggest that 10% of new cases of psychosis may be linked to high-potency cannabis. The study also found that daily users of high-potency strains were 5 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder. Other research has shown that using marijuana at an early age, such as during the teen or tween years, is associated with an increased risk of psychosis.
A 2021 medical review noted that psychosis due to substance abuse is now a common issue observed in medical settings, and the likelihood of developing psychosis “seems to be associated with the severity of use and dependence.” Additionally, with new substances now frequently emerging, it can be difficult to track everything that is available through illicit markets, along with fully studying their long-term effects. “The variety of substances able to provoke an episode of acute psychosis is rapidly increasing,” the report stated.
Alcohol, on the other hand, is more often associated with hallucinations in someone who has abused alcohol for a time and/or has ingested heavier quantities—often when they are trying to quit. This is called alcoholic hallucinosis, and it’s an alarming side effect of chronic alcohol abuse. Research has noted this issue usually involves “acoustic verbal hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances arising in clear consciousness and sometimes may progress to a chronic form, mimicking schizophrenia.” Another term for this issue is alcohol-related psychosis, and substance abuse researchers explain that it can also occur as a result of acute intoxication after an episode of heavy intake—creating symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and fear.
RISK FACTORS FOR PSYCHOSIS
American Addiction Centers notes that using substances like marijuana can increase the risk of psychosis among those who are already vulnerable based on other factors. These factors include:
Genetics
Traumatic events (such as wartime military service or sexual assault)
The nature of psychotic disorders—such as ongoing thought disturbances and the failure to accurately perceive reality—means that they are considered among the most challenging psychiatric conditions to address. Treatment is possible and may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other methods of management, so someone who suffers from psychotic conditions can take steps to manage symptoms.
Still, especially if there are pre-existing vulnerabilities, it’s best to avoid the chances of these episodes occurring to begin with. Steer clear of dangerous and addictive substances like marijuana and alcohol, which can lead to the frightening, reality-twisting symptoms of psychosis. Unfortunately, most people with addictions or dependencies on drugs like marijuana and alcohol do not receive treatment, such as entering residential programs. But if you or someone you love is affected by addiction, be proactive and seek help, not only for the addiction but also for the underlying factors that contribute to the problem. It is crucial to address these issues before they lead to the possible lasting damage associated with psychosis.
Psychotic symptoms, addiction, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. As marijuana is being legalized in an increasing number of states, a rising number of people are turning to the drug to help with anxiousness, sadness, sleep, stress, relaxation, concentration, boredom, and more. Some people use marijuana only occasionally, but others develop cannabis dependence. Whether you are a recreational user or have slipped into addiction, there are many reasons why you might want to stop, including these consequences associated with marijuana:
1. Treat any underlying factors that drove you to use marijuana in the first place.
Many people start using cannabis to cope with past emotional trauma or feelings of depression, anxiousness, or chronic stress. Addressing those issues and learning brain-based strategies to overcome them can reduce your reliance on marijuana as a self-medicating substance.
2. Choose a strategy.
In general, there are 2 primary ways to go about quitting marijuana:
Going cold turkey, which involves stopping all usage abruptly
Tapering use, which means gradually reducing your usage over time
3. Quit cold turkey.
If you select this method, choose a date and get prepared to stop.
4. Choose how to taper your use.
If you want to taper off, there are several ways you can do it.
Use less marijuana each time.
Use the drug on fewer days.
Opt for a lower-potency product.
5. Give yourself a deadline.
If you choose to taper down, choose a goal when you will stop using completely. For example, you might want to taper down until your current stash is depleted or you may want to decrease your usage over a set period of time, such as 1 or 2 months.
6. Get rid of all paraphernalia.
To help avoid temptation, prepare for quitting by throwing out everything that is used with the substance, including:
Bongs
Bowls
Pipes
Rolling papers
Lighters
7. Know the withdrawal symptoms.
It is common for marijuana users, especially heavy users, to experience symptoms of withdrawal when they quit using the drug. Withdrawal symptoms usually last about a few weeks but can last months in some people. When symptoms linger, it is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Common signs of marijuana withdrawal include mental health and physical symptoms, such as:
Anxiety
Depression
Aggression
Irritability
Sleep difficulties
Cravings
Appetite changes
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sweating, and chills
Headaches
Weight loss or gain
8. Have a plan to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
Enhance your body and mind before quitting to facilitate the process. Eat a brain healthy diet that includes lots of organic vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates, and eliminate alcohol and sugar. Also be sure to fuel your brain with nutritional supplements that promote relaxation, sleep, or focus, and that promote brighter moods, the ability to cope with stress, and control cravings.
9. Engage in new positive habits.
One of the best ways to overcome bad habits is to replace them with healthful habits, such as:
Meditation—Numerous studies show that meditation or prayer helps the brain balance neurochemicals involved in mood, focus, and relaxation. For example, a 2018 study points to mindfulness meditation as having a therapeutic effect on substance abuse and helping prevent relapse.
Exercise—Physical activity has a mood-boosting effect and increases blood flow to the brain for better cognitive function and decision-making. Research has found that exercise shows promise in helping people overcome substance use disorders.
10. Be prepared for setbacks.
Understand that you may encounter setbacks in your journey to stop using marijuana. When this occurs, be curious not furious. Rather than thinking you have failed and giving up on your efforts to quit, ask yourself why you had a setback. Investigate what led to the relapse. Were you overly tired, hungry, angry, or lonely? When you understand your triggers, you can make a plan to deal with them in a healthier way.
11. Follow a neuroscience-based 12-step program.
The current popular 12-step program was developed nearly 90 years ago, and although it has helped many people, it does not work for everyone. It has no neuroscience and doesn’t address the physical functioning of the brain, which is the missing link to breaking any addiction. If you have a cannabis addiction, try Dr. Daniel Amen’s 12-step program that is rooted in brain science:
Step 1: Know what you want.
Step 2: Know when you have taken yourself hostage.
Step 3: Make a decision to care for, balance, and repair your brain.
Step 4. Reach for forgiveness for yourself and others.
Step 5: Know your addiction brain type.
Step 6: Use the neuroscience of craving control.
Step 7: Drip dopamine; stop dumping it to keep your pleasure centers healthy.
Step 8: Eliminate the pushers and users who make you vulnerable.
Step 9: Tame your Dragons from the Past (the stories from your past that continue to breathe fire on your brain and drive anxiety, anger, irrational behavior, and automatic negative reactions) and kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts).
Step 10: Get help from those who have tamed their own addictions.
Step 11: List the people you have hurt and make amends when possible.
Step 12: Carry the message of brain health to others.
BENEFITS OF STOPPING MARIJUANA
Quitting marijuana is associated with significant benefits. These improvements may occur quickly, or they may develop over the weeks and months after you quit, including:
Improved memory
Better focus
Greater energy
Enhanced motivation
More positive and balanced moods
Better breathing
Following the steps outlined here can help you make the transition more easily and help prevent relapse so you can continue to enjoy these physical and mental health benefits.
Addictions, anxiety, depression,, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here.
