How Long to Rewire the Brain From Addiction?

What is neuroplasticity, and how long does it take to rewire your brain from addiction?

Addiction can cause both functional and structural changes to your brain. When you end your substance abuse, your brain can begin to repair this damage. Clinicians refer to the brain’s ability to reorganize its internal connections as neuroplasticity. Informally, this phenomenon is sometimes described as the brain “rewiring” itself. 

How to Rewire Your Brain From Addiction

Neuroplasticity is an automatic function. This means that the process will begin without requiring you to take any specific actions. However, this doesn’t mean you are powerless to help. Here are a few ways that you can improve your brain’s ability to heal:

• Be patient: As we will discuss in the next section, neuroplasticity takes time. This isn’t a process that you can rush. 
• Meditate: One way to adopt a more patient outlook on life is to meditate and practice mindfulness. As an added bonus, these practices also promote brain health, which can enhance your brain’s ability to rewire itself.
• Remain in recovery: This may be obvious, but it is worth emphasizing. Your brain cannot repair itself from the ravages of substance abuse if you continue to use alcohol or other addictive drugs.
• Get professional help: Certain therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may promote neuroplasticity.
• Practice self-care: The value of the mind-body connection cannot be overstated. Eating nutritious food, getting an appropriate amount of exercise every day, and making sure you get enough sleep can all boost brain health.

How Long Does it Take to Rewire the Brain From Addiction?

There is no single, universally applicable answer to the question, how long does it take to rewire your brain from addiction? For some people, the process takes a few months. For others, it can take years. 

The neuroplasticity timeline can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Which substance or substances you had been abusing
• The amount and frequency of your substance abuse
• The degree of damage that your brain experienced as a result of your substance abuse
• The presence of any co-occurring mental health disorders

Genetics can also play a significant role in how long it takes to rewire your brain from addiction. Your willingness to follow the steps we listed in the previous section can also make a considerable difference.

Rewire Your Brain From Addiction at Los Angeles Detox

It is difficult to overstate the devastation that untreated addiction can inflict on your body and mind. But when you get the care you need, you can rebuild your strength and rewire your brain from addiction. With the help of the dedicated professionals at LA Detox, you can free yourself from the chains of compulsive substance abuse, so that you can start living the healthier life you deserve. 

When you’re ready to get started, the LA Detox team is here for you. Visit our Contact page or call us today to learn more.