Neurotransmitters as the chemical messengers in your brain, facilitate communication between nerve cells, also known as neurons. They transmit signals across synapses, tiny gaps between neurons. This transmission allows your brain to control various functions, including mood, behaviour and even addiction.
Substances that people become addicted to are very different from one another but they all have a common effect: they can change how the brain’s reward system works. This reward system is crucial for survival, encouraging essential behaviors like eating and reproduction. Researchers discovered this when they found that rats would repeatedly press a lever to get electrical stimulation in certain brain areas, highlighting specific pathways involved in feeling rewards. One key pathway identified connects two parts of the brain, the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and is essential for the feelings of pleasure and motivation.
This reward system includes several neurotransmitters like dopamine, which plays a significant role in how we experience pleasure from natural rewards like food and sex, as well as from drugs. Drugs hijack this system, either by directly affecting dopamine levels or by influencing other neurotransmitters that regulate this pathway, such as GABA, opioids and serotonin. This interaction ensures that actions necessary for survival are prioritised but when drugs of abuse manipulate this system, it can lead to addiction. This understanding of the brain’s reward circuit helps explain why addictive substances can be so powerful and difficult to resist.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in addiction. It is well-known for its connection to the feelings of pleasure and reward that come from various activities, including eating, exercising and drug use. Dopamine’s release during these activities reinforces them making them more likely to be repeated. In the context of addiction, this system can become hijacked, leading to excessive dopamine release. This causes a powerful urge to use drugs repeatedly, contributing to the cycle of addiction.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the brain, helping us respond to our environment. They play a vital role in processing information and triggering responses in the body. The brain’s network of interneurons, which connects different parts, heavily relies on neurotransmitters for communication. Serotonin, another key neurotransmitter, influences addiction by affecting our emotional responses to drugs. It plays a role in the compulsive use of drugs and the high chance of relapse among former addicts, due to its impact on our mood and emotional states.
Another important neurotransmitter is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect on your brain. It helps regulate anxiety, stress and impulsivity. Drugs can disrupt GABA function and cause imbalances in the brain, contributing to addictive behaviors.
Serotonin is yet another neurotransmitter involved in addiction. It regulates mood, sleep and appetite. Alterations in serotonin levels can contribute to mood disorders commonly associated with addiction like depression or anxiety.
Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and Thailand, WeDoRecover supports individuals globally, including those from the United Arab Emirates and Europe. Accepting both South African medical aid and international health insurance our organisation facilitates access to high-quality treatment for substance and alcohol use disorders, offering individualised care that addresses the physical, mental and social needs of patients.
Our team, led by Gareth Carter, offers empathetic and professional support, guiding you through every step of the treatment process. Whether you're in South Africa or abroad, our acceptance of various insurance plans makes quality care accessible, providing a platform for lasting recovery and a healthier future.
Inpatient Rehab
Rehab care is a good option if you are at risk of experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms when you try stop a substance. This option would also be recommended if you have experienced recurrent relapses or if you have tried a less-intensive treatment without success.
Outpatient
If you're committed to your sobriety but cannot take a break from your daily duties for an inpatient program. Outpatient rehab treatment might suit you well if you are looking for a less restricted format for addiction treatment or simply need help with mental health.
Therapy
Therapy can be good step towards healing and self-discovery. If you need support without disrupting your routine, therapy offers a flexible solution for anyone wishing to enhance their mental well-being or work through personal issues in a supportive, confidential environment.
Mental Health
Are you having persistent feelings of being swamped, sad or have sudden surges of anger or intense emotional outbursts? These are warning signs of unresolved trauma mental health. A simple assesment by a mental health expert could provide valuable insights into your recovery.
Finding the right rehab close to you is simple with WeDoRecover. Our network includes the finest rehab centers, ensuring personalised, quality care for your recovery needs. Let Gareth Carter and our empathetic team help guide you to a center that feels right for you, offering expert care and support. Start your healing today by choosing a rehab that's not just close to you, but also that truly cares about your loved ones recovery.