When addiction occurs, the powerful substances hijack the brain’s reward system until nothing seems pleasurable anymore except the drugs or alcohol. The lines between pleasure and danger are also blurred. Instead of warning you against the use of substances, the brain craves the substance. At the same time, substance use can trigger emotions like anxiety and stress. Over time, this leads to changes to the prefrontal cortex, the decision-making area of the brain. Someone suffering from addiction loses their ability to decide to stop using substances. They use not to experience pleasure but to avoid pain. To learn more about our programs at Ranch at Dove Tree, please contact us today at 800.218.6727.