Muse Treatment: What Is Neuroplasticity’s Connection to Addiction?

Understanding the connection between neuroplasticity and addiction is key to unlocking the potential for recovery. Addiction is not simply a matter of willpower—it’s a rewiring of the brain’s neural pathways, where substance use becomes deeply ingrained in the reward system. Fortunately, neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and change, offers hope. By replacing harmful pathways with healthier behaviors through evidence-based treatments, patients can reshape their brains after opioid use and reclaim their lives.

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What Is the Role of Neuroplasticity in Recovery?

Neuroplasticity and addiction go hand-in-hand, both as a boon and a detriment for recovery. On the one hand, habitual substance abuse can reinforce destructive pathways in the brain which create mental associations (even on a subconscious level) between the substance and feelings of reward or relief. On the other hand, this moldable nature of the brain also means these pathways can be replaced with healthier options through intentional, positive experiences. But how, exactly, does this process work?

Let’s use this example to dig deeper: when an individual partakes in drugs or alcohol, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter part of the body’s reward system. This brain chemical is responsible for feelings of pleasure. When we get a rush of dopamine, we feel terrific, and our brains associate that feeling with the substance that triggered its release, reinforcing the habit. Over time, this effect rewires the brain to prioritize seeking out this substance over other rewarding activities that might be healthier—like spending time with loved ones, taking a walk, or enjoying hobbies. Eventually, people struggling with addiction fail to feel joy from anything other than their chosen substance, even activities they used to love.

Luckily, the brain can form new connections to prioritize healthier coping mechanisms through consistent efforts in recovery. Certain types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurofeedback are some of the top recommended treatment options.

In CBT sessions, trained professionals assist their patients in identifying harmful thoughts. By recognizing these patterns, individuals can prepare better responses for when these thoughts eventually pop up again.

For example, Sally has a presentation. An automatic thought pops into her mind as she’s preparing to begin that says, “I’m going to mess this up.” In turn, she becomes anxious, avoids eye contact during the presentation, stumbles on her words, and forgets to read an entire slide. That thought effectively came true as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Through CBT, Sally’s therapist helps her come up with alternative thoughts for her next presentation. When “I’m going to mess this up,” pops into Sally’s head next time, she can instead tell herself that it’s normal to be nervous, she’s well prepared, knows her stuff, and that a small mistake will not break her career. She can even say, “I’m going to ace this!” and fill herself with confidence.

Neurofeedback is a technique that uses technology to help patients learn to self-regulate their brainwave activity. Experts place sensors on the patient’s scalp, measuring brainwaves for a predetermined period of time. The measurements are then connected to a computer and displayed for the patient using audio and visual cues.

Let’s use another example with Sally. This time, she’s trying to improve her focus and attention span related to a recent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, as described in a PubMed article from 2024. Her therapist places a cap on her head, inside which are a series of sensors connected to a computer running a video game that Sally is instructed to play. Now, real-time feedback kicks in as she’s playing: if her attention decreases, the sensors pick up on that and cause obstacles for gameplay, perhaps by slowing down the character on the screen. Alternatively, when she increases her focus, she’s rewarded with an extra life for her character or superspeed, triggering a release of dopamine. Now, neuropathways begin to associate the feeling of being focused with positive sensations. Over time, this helps Sally increase her attention span.

These methods can easily be applied to addiction treatment and help patients who are struggling to kick a harmful habit find new ways to soothe and cope with triggers.

What Neural Pathways Are Involved in Addiction?

According to the Dana Foundation, neurotransmitters and other structures in the brain are responsible for creating pathways. As mentioned, neuroplasticity and addiction are both inextricably tied to the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for pleasurable feelings. The main structures involved in this system are:

Prefrontal Cortex: This part of the brain is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. When addiction is present, this structure is often weakened, making it difficult for individuals to weigh the consequences of their actions, which increases the likelihood of abuse despite harmful outcomes.
Amygdala: This area is related to processing feelings, which forges strong emotional connections to the substance, making it harder to overcome cravings.
Hippocampus: This structure helps the formation of memories. In the case of addiction, previous experiences related to substance use become environmental cues. These triggers can reinforce the addiction cycle and make it hard to quit.

These neuropathways can be rewired over time with the help of recovery programs and treatment options aimed at cognitive changes. By practicing healthier behaviors and developing better responses to triggers, individuals can regain control over their brains and recover from addiction.

neuroplasticity and addiction

What Drugs Increase Neuroplasticity?

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, repeated exposure to certain drugs can alter the structure of brain cells, specifically the dendritic spines, which are tiny protrusions that extend from neurons and are responsible for sending and receiving signals from other parts of the brain. Since an increase in these spines is related to growth and learning, that means these drugs can increase neuroplasticity.

While the primary focus of any addiction plan should be to reduce harmful substance use, researchers have discovered that some drugs can promote brain growth and could be useful during treatment for some patients.

One example is the use of protein synthesis inhibitors, like chloramphenicol. This drug is normally used to treat serious bacterial infections, however, the same study referenced above indicates it may also be beneficial in treating cocaine addiction by decreasing the sensitization to this powerfully addicted substance. Another example is psilocybin, a compound found in “magic mushrooms.” This psychedelic is currently used in experimental cases to treat complex post-traumatic stress in patients by stimulating the growth of dendritic spines. Similarly, MDMA can be used to increase serotonin levels in the brain to help facilitate emotional processing that can lead to healthier pathways.

While these substances may show promise in small, controlled doses under medical supervision, the path to recovery ultimately involves creating lasting, positive changes in the brain through structured treatment programs where neuroplasticity and addiction align for positive results.

Does Alcohol Affect Neuroplasticity?

Chronic alcohol use can lead to neurodegeneration, which impairs the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This is particularly evident in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. As a result, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to cognitive deficits and difficulty in forming new, healthier behaviors.

Alcohol is also notorious for causing severe symptoms of withdrawal, which are mechanisms the body uses to try and force you to take action to provide your brain with the substance it craves. If someone is suffering from shaking, fevers, sweating, or other signs of alcohol withdrawal that can be temporarily solved by a shot or two of vodka, the thought of breaking through the worst of the process might seem too hard compared with the alternative of continued use.

Access Neuroplasticity and Addiction Treatment at Muse Treatment

The connection between neuroplasticity and addiction highlights the brain’s remarkable ability to heal and adapt. While addiction reinforces harmful neural pathways, recovery taps into the same neuroplasticity to create healthier patterns and behaviors. Research shows that 36% of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction recover within just one year of starting treatment, underscoring the power of professional help and evidence-based approaches.

At Muse Treatment, we specialize in helping patients harness the power of neuroplasticity to overcome addiction with treatment and rebuild their lives. Don’t let addiction hold you back any longer—reach out today to take the first step toward recovery. Call us at 800-426-1818 to learn how our compassionate team can guide you on this life-changing journey.