One key to successfully helping people recover from substance abuse is to understand the biological reactions caused by prolong drug or alcohol use. Over time, the brain's chemistry is affected by substance use and no longer functions normally.

"The effect of addictive substances on the brain might chemically impair key survival functions - eating, drinking, even reproduction. Substance abuse also appears to interfere with the chemical wiring that connects emotion to action, which could account for why alcoholics and addicts often seem immobilized and unable to help themselves."

Understanding these types of things helps get rid of the stigma often association with substance abuse and addiction - which is still often viewed simply as a lack of willpower or a kind of "moral failure". In reality, substance abuse is a deeply rooted, physiological issue that takes time and support to overcome.

SunHawk Acadmey offers a substance abuse recovery program for troubled teens.

Labels: brain_chemistry, brain_damage, drug_use