Drugs can drain your brain

The abuse of any substance is known to have an effect on the body.

More so, it has a negative effect on the brain which in turn impacts the functions of the body.

“It is well-known that substance abuse has a negative effect on different areas of the brain, which can lead to impairment in cognitive functioning,” said Ms Elfie du Toit, from the Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre’s occupational therapy department.

According to Ms Du Toit, studies showed that using substances can cause an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, which is essential for healthy brain function.

“When a part of the brain is injured, the ability to move, speak, process thoughts or generate appropriate reactions may be compromised,” she said.

It can therefore be noted that the abuse of substances fails to produce normal functionality in the brain.

Furthermore, Ms Du Toit said studies reported that deterioration of cognitive functioning is present long after the effect of intoxication and the withdrawal symptoms have cleared up.

“It has also been established that the use of substances has an effect on the functioning of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

“These areas of the brain are responsible for perception, modulation, sustained attention, flexibility, working memory, response inhibition, emotional regulation, planning, organisation, time management and self-monitoring,” she said.

Hence, these functions of the brain allow individuals to cope with stressful events.

“Patients with executive dysfunction struggle with the ability to detect and fix errors. Thus, they do not learn from their mistakes and do not develop effective learning,” she said.

“When considering executive dysfunction in patients with substance abuse problems, the failure of some patients to change their lifestyle can be related to the inability of cognitive flexibility. Although patients are aware of their destructive behaviour, they struggle with controlling and changing these behaviours and persist on the same path,” she said.

Ms Du Toit added that there are means to address functioning abilities.

These strategies include creating a structure, following daily routines, developing a reminder system and to practice impulse control and emotional self-regulation by becoming aware of triggers and learning to avoid them.

“Patients should be stimulated to access positive emotions in order to cope with and manage, negative emotions by learning self-soothing techniques,” she said.

For further information or assistance, contact Wedge Gardens on 011 430-0320.