Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse

An understanding of the dynamics of resilience is crucial to releasing neuro-adaptive potential and its behavioral consequences.

An important study concludes:

“Despite extensive research and knowledge regarding their serious adverse consequences, addiction disorders continue to contribute to the top preventable causes of death and morbidity in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2003). The mechanisms underlying the persistent and compulsive engagement in these behaviors remain poorly understood. Based on previous evidence, researchers have hypothesized that the chronic nature of addiction disorders are rooted in the neurotoxic effects of stress on the brain. These effects undermine the neuroplasticity within networks required for the recovery process to take place. As a result, mechanisms of resilience are crucial to the understanding of neuroadaptive potential and its behavioral consequences. (author’s emphasis) This is an important topic of current research, which stands at a unique crossroad in the study of addiction disorders. The explosion in the field of molecular and cellular neuroscience calls for interdisciplinary, collaborative team-based approaches. A greater understanding of the neurobiology of stress and resilience, as well as its implications on the neuro­biology of addictions, is crucial to the prevention of such disorders and to the development of evidence-based treatment strategies.”

Notes:

• Resilience to Meet the Challenge of Addiction: Psychobiology and Clinical Considerations
• 6 Tricks for Developing Resilience in Addiction Recovery
• The Importance of Resilience in Addiction Recovery

Next: Co-Morbidity