Rumors of Glory » Blog Archive » Neural Networks: Makes it hard to get out of that rut

Oct 27th, 2008 by Lucille

I recently received a question from a young gal who used drugs with her boyfriend. The two of them have had 8 months of sobriety. But she says being with him makes her want to use again, so she wondered if they should break up.

Here is how I answered:

I’m probably not the best one to answer this. I think a medical doctor or psychiatrist would be better.

I do know that our brain has neural networks that make connections based on old behaviors, and that it is very difficult to undo these. A common phrase is, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.” Picture the ruts made by a wagon train. It’s easier to stay in the ruts than to get out of them. But it is not impossible - over time you can create new roads.

When you are trying to change addictions (because I don’t really believe you can completely give up addictions) not only are you withdrawing chemicals from your body, but your are trying to BREAK old neural networks. This is why addicts are told to drive a different way to work, change their friends, take up new hobbies, etc.

Some brain-scan studies show the part of your brain that lights up while you’re using (drugs like meth and cocaine) will light up even when you’re not using - if you’re simply doing something that reminds you of using.

I guess what I would ask is how are things in general with this boyfriend? Is it a healthy relationship? Do you see hope for a strong future? Well, then if you think it’s worth trying, I would seek help from an addictions support group and people who have conquered this battle. The journey will be difficult but not impossible. I believe it’s a journey worth taking!

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