How Long Does It Actually Take to Break an Addiction and Rewrite the Brain?
Addiction not only affects behavior but also physically alters the brain’s structure and function. Many people wonder how long it takes to rewire the brain from addiction, and whether the brain can truly heal. This blog delves into the science of brain rewiring, how long the process takes, and actionable steps for breaking free from addiction and retraining the brain. Support for addiction recovery is available at The Ohana Hawaii, a top-rated residential rehab on the Big Island.
Understanding Addiction and the Brain
Addiction is a complex condition that changes the brain’s wiring, making it difficult to control impulses and behavior. But with treatment and time, it is possible to heal and rewire the brain for healthier habits.
What Happens to the Brain During Addiction?
Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on the substance to release dopamine, making it difficult to experience pleasure from everyday activities. This rewiring of the brain’s reward circuit is what makes breaking an addiction so challenging. Combatting addiction then requires an additional round of ressetting and rewiring the brain’s reward system.
The Science of Brain Rewiring
You may have heard of the concept of “brain retraining” and wondered how it’s possible after addiction has altered the neural circuits in your brain. The answer lies in neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and change throughout life. Structural plasticity refers to the physical changes that occur as the brain rewires itself, forming new neural connections. Studies have shown that as individuals recover from addiction or learn new skills, neurons can extend new connections, or “dendritic branches,” which allows for the creation of new synapses. This rewiring is especially enhanced during significant life changes, such as entering a residential treatment program at The Ohana, where the brain is given the chance to recover in an environment free from habitual cues.
With the right interventions, like therapy, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle adjustments supported by The Ohana’s clinical staff, the brain can heal, enabling individuals to form healthier behaviors and manage cravings more effectively
How to Rewire Your Brain from Addiction
Rewiring the brain from addiction involves creating new, healthier habits and eliminating harmful ones. This often requires physically leaving the environment where unhealthy habits were formed. In a residential treatment setting, like that offered by The Ohana, individuals are removed from the cues and triggers that once fueled their addiction. This shift in environment provides a fresh start, disrupting old patterns and offering a new way of life. By immersing in holistic practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and experiential therapies, clients learn healthier habits, retrain their brain’s reward system, and cultivate emotional resilience.
Rewiring the brain from addiction not only involves developing healthier habits but also requires breaking the deeply ingrained stimulus-response patterns linked to substance use. Of particular interest in recent years are evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), modalities that help clients increase awareness of cravings and negative emotions without reacting impulsively. By practicing mindfulness in particular, individuals can disrupt automatic responses to triggers, such as cravings, and learn to tolerate discomfort without resorting to substance use. Techniques like the SOBER breathing space—Stop, Observe, Breathe, Expand awareness, and Respond mindfully—allow clients to pause and make conscious choices, retraining the brain to handle challenges non-reactively. This process of mindfulness meditation and cognitive-behavioral techniques encourages present-moment awareness and promotes long-term recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Rewire the Brain from Addiction?
The timeline for how long it takes to rewire the brain depends on several factors, including the substance, duration of use, and the individual’s overall health.
Factors Influencing the Rewiring Process
- Substance of Addiction: Different substances affect the brain in different ways. For example, opioids and stimulants may cause more extensive brain changes than alcohol or nicotine.
- Duration of Use: The longer someone has been addicted, the longer it typically takes for the brain to rewire.
- Therapy and Support: Engaging in holistic treatments, such as those offered by The Ohana, including art therapy, massage therapy, and sound healing, can accelerate brain healing.
- Overall Health: Mental and physical health play crucial roles in how quickly the brain can recover from addiction.
Common Timelines for Brain Recovery
On average, studies suggest it can take anywhere from three months to two years to see significant changes in the brain’s structure. For some, signs that your brain is rewiring may appear sooner, such as improved mood, reduced cravings, and better emotional regulation.
How to Break an Addiction
Breaking an addiction is about more than just willpower; it involves changing habits and learning new ways to cope without substances.
Steps to Break an Addiction and Rewire Your Brain
- Acknowledge the Problem: The first step is recognizing the need for change.
- Seek Professional Help: Addiction specialists, like those at The Ohana, can provide tailored treatment plans and are in-network with many insurance providers.
- Develop New Habits: Replacing addictive behaviors with healthier ones is key to retraining the brain.
- Stay Committed: Consistency is critical when rewiring the brain from addiction.
Brain Retraining
Brain retraining techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness meditation help build new, healthier neural pathways. These are core elements of addiction treatment at The Ohana, but the healing doesn’t stop there. Ecopsychology connects clients with nature to deepen emotional healing and resilience. Activities like forest therapy and eco-art help cultivate a sense of belonging and balance.
Additionally, Adventure Therapy integrates thrilling experiences like hiking, kayaking, and ziplining, which help clients confront fears, build trust, and practice mindfulness in high-stress situations. These immersive therapies support clients in reshaping thought patterns, reducing cravings, and rediscovering self-confidence on their recovery journey. This active engagement in the recovery process complements traditional therapies, giving clients new ways to explore and manage their emotions and behaviors.
How Many Days Does It Take to Break an Addiction?
While the common belief is that it takes 21 days to break a habit, overcoming addiction typically takes longer. How long does it take to break an addiction? Most research suggests that it takes about 66 days for a new habit to form. However, recovery is ongoing, and the brain continues to heal long after initial changes are made.
Healing the Addicted Brain
Healing from addiction is not just about quitting the substance—it’s also about emotional and psychological recovery. The Ohana offers a unique blend of evidence-based treatment, medication-assisted treatment, adventure therapy, and holistic healing modalities to address these underlying issues and promote emotional healing.
Emotional and Psychological Healing
Addiction often coexists with emotional and psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and unresolved emotional pain. The journey toward healing requires more than abstaining from substances; it involves addressing these coexisting mental health issues that are often both causes and consequences of addiction.
One of the most significant aspects of recovery is emotional healing, which involves processing the emotional pain, guilt, and shame often carried by those with addiction. Emotions are closely linked to addictive behavior, with individuals turning to substances as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings. In recovery, it’s crucial to break this cycle by learning to manage emotions in healthy, constructive ways. Emotional healing focuses on improving self-awareness, emotional regulation, and developing positive coping mechanisms.
Addiction can distort a person’s sense of self, leading to negative beliefs and self-destructive behaviors. The process of psychological healing is about restoring a sense of agency, rebuilding self-esteem, and fostering personal growth.
Beyond Therapy at The Ohana Residential Addiction Treatment
In addition to therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be offered to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, creating a more stable emotional and psychological foundation from which to work. By alleviating the intense discomfort of withdrawal, clients are better able to engage fully in therapy and explore the underlying issues contributing to their addiction.
Spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, and breathwork are also integral parts of emotional healing at The Ohana. These practices help clients connect with their inner selves, fostering inner peace and balance. Meditation, in particular, promotes mindfulness and emotional regulation, allowing clients to stay present with their feelings without becoming overwhelmed. Over time, these spiritual practices help clients develop a greater sense of purpose and self-worth, crucial elements in the recovery process.
Beyond these practices, emotional and psychological healing involves repairing relationships. Addiction often fractures relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and further emotional pain. Family therapy is another essential component of recovery at The Ohana, where clients work to rebuild trust, improve communication, and heal relational wounds that may have deepened during active addiction.
Signs Your Brain is Rewiring
As the brain begins to heal, there are several signs your brain is rewiring, including:
- Improved Emotional Regulation: Less impulsive behavior and more balanced emotions.
- Reduced Cravings: Over time, the brain relies less on the substance for pleasure.
- Better Decision-Making: Clearer thinking and improved problem-solving abilities.
Long-Term Strategies for Maintaining Brain Health
Maintaining a healthy brain requires ongoing effort. Here are some strategies to support long-term brain health:
- Mindfulness Practices: Regular meditation can help keep the brain balanced.
- Physical Activity: Exercise increases dopamine levels and supports brain health.
- Holistic Therapies: Engaging in therapies such as those offered by The Ohana, like yoga, breathwork, and sound therapy, promotes overall well-being.
Ready to Retrain Your Brain After Addiction? Residential Treatment in Hawaii May Be Just What You Need
Rewiring the brain from addiction is a gradual process that takes time, effort, and the right support. While the timeline varies for each individual, it’s important to remember that with the right treatments and lifestyle changes, the brain can heal and create healthier pathways. At The Ohana, a range of holistic therapies are available to help you on your journey to recovery, offering not only physical healing but emotional and psychological support as well.
