Our brain gets used to the habits that we choose to follow. Our brain acts accordingly when we maintain a healthy lifestyle and possess good habits. A good circadian rhythm, a healthy diet, and proper exercise are all habits that keep our brains healthy and in good shape. On the other hand, when we expose our brain to drug overdose, it gets habituated to that as well. The brain needs to get back on track through a rewiring process.
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What Is The Brain Rewiring Process?
The brain rewiring process makes your brain understand that dopamine overdose due to constant drug abuse is not good for your body and mind. Most drugs, when consumed, stimulate the brain area responsible for maintaining dopamine levels. Dopamine is the hormone that decides the level of emotions we have or show.
Many happy dopamines are released in our brains when we take drugs. As our brain wants us to be more and more happy, it thinks the drug is good. As a result, the part of our brain that controls cravings for “things” starts to demand more and more of that drug. Although drug abuse keeps us happy for a short time(because of dopamine), it’s not good for our bodies and overall health. That’s where the “Brain Rewiring Process” comes into play.
After people get admitted into a Rehab program or try to get away from drugs with the help of their family and friends, they practice a lot of good habits like sleeping regularly, following a healthy diet, controlling their emotions, etc. These steps help their brain understand that drugs are unnecessary for happiness.
After a month or so, the brain returns to its pre-drug-abuse stage. Their hormone levels start balancing out, and the brain identifies the drug as bad for the body. So, the craving starts to go away with time.
How Long To Rewire Brain From Addiction?
The length of the whole brain rewiring process can take between 60 to 90 days generally. But many variables are into play here, and change in any one can take more or less time. The brain rewiring process depends on the following:
- The Type Of Drug
The rewiring process can take much or less time, depending on the type of drug being used. Cigarette habits can be rewired within 40 to 60 days. But more powerful drugs like heroin or cocaine can take more than 90 days to go away.
- The Duration Of The Addiction
If someone is in the early stages of addiction, it is easier to rewire the brain than someone who has been an addict for a long time. That’s why people who have been using drugs since childhood face more problems during rewiring.
- The Severity Of The Addiction
Let’s say someone who drinks or smokes only once in a while can easily eliminate the habit. But people who use drugs frequently or every day will need more time for the rewiring to be done properly.
- The Type Of Rehab Program
Rehab programs are created differently, keeping different types of drugs and addicts in mind. Rehab programs that are programmed to be effective slowly generally take longer to make the addiction completely disappear.
These variables can be changed depending on the drug being used and the type of addict. Generally, a rehab program will take 60 to 90 days to be effective. But it can take up to 6 months as well.
A Personal Brain-Rewiring Process
When trying to get out of addiction, it is always wiser to take professional help. But if you’re in the early stages of the addiction and believe you can get out of this addiction by yourself, then this process is for you.
- Push Past The Anxiety At First
The initial stages of rehabilitation are the most difficult, particularly for those with substance abuse issues. You will experience certain withdrawal signs if you have a drug or alcohol addiction. Many smokers believe they can reduce their intake gradually to speed up withdrawal. This typically doesn’t work.
The initial stages can be tough and cause you a lot of pain if you’re addicted. So, if you’re feeling any pain or a lot of anxiety, get some medical help at the initial stage.
- Stay Away From The Drug
I know it is easier said than done. But this part aims to understand that the drug is dangerous for you and your family, and you can stay away from it. You can even call it a “Making up your mind” stage.
Once you make up your mind and understand the harmful effects of the drug, then the process will be much easier. You can search the internet about the harmful effects of the drug or read case studies.
- Find Something Else To Do
When you suddenly stop taking the drug and stay away from it, your brain will cry out, and you will feel a lot of cravings. It is normal because a certain thing is missing from life. Just find something else to do that doesn’t harm you.
Let’s say you used to take drugs whenever you felt sad. Sadness is a part of life, and you can’t just remove it from your life. What you can do is do something else whenever you’re sad. Like going out to talk with your friends or going shopping, anything that keeps you happy and changes your mood. Do not succumb to the craving.
- Do The Things That You Have Postponed For A Long Time.
Addicts are lazy people and procrastinate a lot. That’s why they miss out on so much in life. Once you’re getting out of the addiction, try doing the things that you couldn’t do in the past but wanted to do. Get admitted into that gym, go on a foreign trip, or prepare for the degree you’ve been looking for.
- Be As Busy As Possible.
The purpose of all these steps is to keep you busy and make you forget the thing that almost ruined your life. Once you start doing the things you postponed for so long, trust me, you will not have time to think about the past.
- Make A Positive Mindset.
Changing the mindset is the most important thing to do in the rewiring process. Practice morality and responsibility towards your family. Every morning when you wake up, remember how grateful you are for your life, the opportunity given to you.
Self-Help Practices That Aid In The Rewiring Process
People trying to get out of their addiction can do certain things to enhance the effectiveness of the rewiring process and shorten the rewiring time.
- Fixing The Circadian Rhythm
Getting proper sleep is the greatest thing anyone can do to escape their addiction. You must fix your circadian rhythm as soon as possible and get at least 6-7 hours of sleep routinely.
- Good Diet
Following a low-carb and high-protein diet is essential as food is like fuel that runs our body. You have to think thoroughly about your diet plan. Try eating a healthy breakfast in the morning and drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Exercise
Regular exercise will help you regain your confidence and make you believe you can be a greater version of yourself. If you don’t like gyms, you can even try other physical activities like cycling, swimming, hiking, etc.
Conclusion
In the end, willpower is everything. The rewiring process can take less time if your willpower is strong enough and you believe in yourself. If your willpower is not strong enough, it will take much longer. So utilize your time properly and make your willpower strong enough to make rewire process faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to completely rewire your brain?
The duration to rewire a brain depends on the type of drug and the timeline of usage. It generally takes 60 to 180 days to rewire a brain completely.
Can your brain fully recover?
If you’re just in the early stages of addiction, it is very much possible for your brain to recover totally. Highly addicted brains can take some long-term damage that can be very tough to cure.
How can I speed up my brain rewiring?
You can start by correcting your circadian rhythm, having good food, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness to speed up your brain rewiring process.
