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By Artemis Molai
Throughout the course of an individual’s lifetime, new routines can impact their lifestyle. The ability of the brain to develop over time after gaining information and learning is called “neuroplasticity”. One of the major principles of neuroplasticity is repetition, frequently repeated actions leading to long-term behavior. Due to the higher neuroplasticity during youth, removing an instinctive behavior is easier to do at a younger age.
Additionally, adaptive myelination leads to active pathways in the brain forming more myelin, a fatty layer around the nerves changing due to habits, allowing for quick electrical signals.
According to Stanford Medicine, small quantities of opioids can lead to more myelin being produced around neurons, which release dopamine. Dopamine production due to opioid usage results in very positive feelings, having about double the impact that food would have on an individual’s emotions. Consistent use of opioids results in a decreased amount of dopamine production, despite using the same amount of opioids, causing many people to increase their opioid consumption.
In an effort to limit the effects of opioids on the brain, medication-assisted treatment can decrease the impact of dopamine throughout the brain as well as the engagement in cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, or aerobic exercise. Following a routine pattern of consistent exercise allows for aerobic exercise to become a healthy habit, rewarding dopamine with beneficial activities.
Seeking treatments at an early stage is important, especially for youth, to gain support required to “unlearn” addictive challenges and transition into a safer lifestyle. Local organizations, including the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department, Bay Area Addiction Research & Treatment, and New Bridge Foundation offer guidance in healing from opioid addiction.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
