How Addiction Manipulates Our Thoughts and Actions

But how can we overcome it?

The impact of addiction on the mind

The NHS defines addiction as “not having control over doing, taking or using something, to the point where it could become harmful to you.”

Our thoughts, beliefs and actions all stem from processes and decisions made in the mind. Yet when addiction takes root, the usual mechanisms our brain uses become impaired over time. Some of the most direct effects of addiction include:

Altered reward circuitry

For us to lead a relatively fulfilling life, we need goals to aim for and achievements to seek out. Once we achieve a personal goal like losing weight or saving a certain amount of money, we feel rewarded. This sense of accomplishment occurs naturally in the brain’s reward system.

Yet, it is this same area involved in processing rewards that is greatly affected by a drug addiction. Taking drugs activates this same circuit, creating the euphoric sensation of a “high.” Over time, the reward circuit adapts to the presence of the drug, diminishing its sensitivity and making it difficult to feel pleasure from anything other than the drug itself. The brain learns to associate the substance with pleasure, oftentimes much more powerful than the reward felt through natural means. Research indicates that many substances release 2 to 10 times the amount of dopamine in your system, “hijacking” the brain’s reward pathways.

Heightened cravings and impaired decision-making

As the tendrils of addiction take a stronger hold, areas of the brain responsible for cravings become hyperactive. Cravings are a deep area of research for addiction experts, and there are multiple proposed models of craving-forming mechanisms. One such model is the “neuroadaptive model,” in which the presence of a drug or alcohol changes brain cell functions. When not taking the addictive substance, intense cravings start to override rational thinking and lead to impulsive decisions. Here we can see how the insidious nature of addiction can manipulate a person’s thoughts and actions.

Worsening memory and learning capabilities

In addition to impaired decision-making, research shows how chemical imbalances caused by substance addictions impair memory formation. This can affect your ability to recall important information, absorb new knowledge and make informed decisions based on past experiences. Even as a person learns the intricate details of how a drug is hurting them, their ability to quit becomes undermined as the addiction deepens.

Obsession and tunnel vision

Being constantly preoccupied with thoughts of taking the substance can lead a person to neglect important aspects of their life. Relationships, work responsibilities, and healthy hobbies become secondary as thoughts of using them dominate daily thinking. Much like staring down a tunnel toward the escape at the other end, important and fulfilling activities slowly become lost in the periphery, and the substance becomes a person’s obsession.

Recurring negative thought patterns

In the realm of psychiatric therapy, recurring unhelpful thoughts become one of the biggest barriers to recovery for a person with a drug or alcohol addiction. Cognitive behavioural therapy often helps people recognise and reframe these unhelpful thought patterns, sometimes called “cognitive distortions.” When a person has recurring negative thoughts, they can soon convince themselves that help is unavailable and that the substance is the only form of escape, even when help is at hand.

Non-substance addictions

When we think about what life is like with an addiction, the majority of our thoughts revolve around substance use as a form of escape, like tobacco, alcohol or drugs. However, a person with a non-substance addiction is also subject to most, if not all, of the previously mentioned impairments on the mind. Non-substance addictions, sometimes called behavioural addictions, can include:

• Gambling
• Food
• Internet usage
• Mobile devices
• Sex and pornography
• Shopping

To take an example, a person with a gambling addiction becomes obsessed and develops tunnel vision in the pursuit of money. As the addiction deepens, more money is lost, and continued gambling appears to be the only way to escape their debt.

Another example could be how a person with an internet addiction might start to self-isolate and suffer from feelings of social disconnection. Research is indeed starting to show that addictive use of the internet is linked to functional brain changes in the prefrontal cortex and other regions.

With these examples, we can understand how addictive behaviours slowly manipulate thoughts and actions, leading to a defining characteristic of addiction: the feeling of lost control.

Was to regain control and overcome addictive thoughts

As we’ve illustrated, substance and non-substance addictions can make you feel like you’re losing control and fighting a losing battle. If you’re looking for ways to help regain control, these steps may help:

Where can I find professional treatment for my addiction?

The manipulative nature of substance addiction creates more than just physical dependence. If left unaddressed, addictions can dominate every thought you have throughout the day, so understanding how addiction impairs your brain is critical to breaking free.

Here at UKAT, we understand the complex interplay between addiction and the mind. Our comprehensive addiction treatment programmes are focused on physical and cognitive healing. Our expert staff are trained to help you manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms and support you at every step. Aftercare and ongoing support systems keep you on track to regain control of your life.

If you or a loved one need help today, the first step is only one phone call away. Contact us today to start your journey of transformation with us.