3 ways that overusing cannabis can blunt the brain's reward system and make it more difficult to get motivated
Second, drug-induced, higher-than-normal levels of dopamine change the cellular architecture of the nucleus accumbens. This changed structure changes what is rewarded, and therefore what is important enough to be valued and sought. We call this “salience.”
Third, the salience of any stimulus determines its quality of being particularly noticeable, important, and desirable. When we are hungry, the salience of smells wafting out of a bakery is far greater than when we are hurrying to get to an appointment. Martz demonstrated that the salience conferred by the nucleus accumbens onto a delayed cash reward had diminished over time for regular cannabis users.
Research has elucidated a difference between what can be called “liking” and what can be called “wanting”, which are related respectively to pleasure and repeating.[1] A simple experiment makes the distinction. If a rat is given a choice between sugar water or water laced with cocaine, it will usually choose the sugar water. It prefers, or “likes” the sugar more.
Are we to conclude that the mind is a prisoner to the brain? To some degree, yes. The mind is essentially the result of brain function. However, although we cannot stop the brain’s wanting, our mind can use understanding and acceptance to recognize that our brain is out of control, and the grit that comes from preferring inclusion in a supportive community to bend behavior toward abstaining from drugs that induce repetitive wanting.
Recovery is a decision by our mind and spirit that also requires changes in behavior. Without changing behavior, the brain’s craving will defeat the mere desire to experience the freedom of recovery. Motivation to recover demonstrates the complexity of its provenance. Without the desire for a healthy recovery, and the hard work to achieve it, the blunting of reward and resultant amotivational syndrome induced by cannabis can impact the trajectory of a person’s life.1. M. E. Martz, et al.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dementia risk may increase if you're eating these foods, study says | CNNEating ultraprocessed foods such as hot dogs, French fries, sodas, cookies and ice cream could set you on the road to cognitive decline, a new study revealed, but there is a way to overcome the negative impact.
Read more »
Dopamine fasting: What is it and why you may, or may not, need itIt feels good to feel good. But will fasting dopamine — the body’s so-called “feel-good” hormone — make a person feel even better or is the current take a bunch of bunk? — via TheGrowthOp dopaminefasting
Read more »
3 Private Dining Clubs You May (or May Not) Get IntoRanked in order of inclusivity—from everyone-is-welcome to you-gotta-know-someone.
Read more »
US Marshals increase reward for Ohio man wanted in murder of 4-year-oldThe U.S. Marshals have announced an increase in reward money to $10,000 for information that will lead to the arrest of Andre McCoy who is wanted for the murder of a 4-year-old.
Read more »
Suicide doesn’t increase during the holidays, but the media perpetuates that myth, new Penn study findsHistorically, December has the lowest suicide death rate. Yet the myth that suicide deaths increase in the 'jolly season' persists — potentially putting people who are vulnerable at risk. abgutman explains.
Read more »
Illinois COVID-19 hospitalizations increase 42% in two weeksIllinois is seeing rapid increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations and new cases over the past week, worrying some medical leaders about the pressure on hospitals as cases of other respiratory illnesses grow as well.
Read more »