Navigating the Cycle: Understanding AOD Use and the Power of Psychology
The relationship between our mental state and the use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is a complex journey that can often feel isolating. However, we are gaining a much clearer understanding of why people turn to substances. Psychology can help people move towards recovery.
The Brain’s Reward Circuit
The brain is a highly adaptive organ, but it can be "hijacked" by certain substances. Most AOD use impacts the brain’s reward system. When substances are used frequently, the brain struggles to maintain its natural balance. This can lead to a "flat" feeling or low mood when not using, making it difficult to find joy in everyday activities and often driving the cycle of continued use just to feel "normal."
Emotional Regulation and Coping
Our psychological state acts as a primary driver for AOD use. Many individuals find themselves using substances as a form of "self-medication" to manage difficult emotions, such as:
Anxiety and Stress: Using substances to "quiet" a racing mind.
Trauma: Numbing painful memories or physical sensations.
Depression: Attempting to escape feelings of hopelessness or lethargy.
Psychology helps us identify these triggers—the specific people, places, or internal feelings that create the urge to use. By understanding the "why" behind the craving, we can begin to separate our identity from our habits.
How Psychology Facilitates Change
While the physiological impact of AOD use is significant, the psychological path to recovery is where long-term change happens. Evidence-based psychological therapies provide the tools to rebuild a life outside of substance use.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It helps individuals identify "automatic" thoughts that lead to substance use and replaces them with healthier processing patterns.
2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty about them. It can help individuals develop psychological flexibility. In ACT people learn to notice an urge without necessarily acting on it, choosing instead to take actions that align with the kind of person you want to be.
3. Motivational Interviewing This approach works by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It recognizes that part of you might want to change while another part is afraid to let go, helping you find your own internal reasons for recovery.
Breaking the cycle of addiction requires patience and professional support. Psychology provides the map and the compass to navigate the underlying emotional landscape, helping you move toward a life where you feel in control of your choices again.
Important Note: Psychology is not a "quick fix" for substance use disorders, but it is a cornerstone of overall care. When combined with peer support and, where necessary, medical supervision, it allows for a holistic approach to healing.
Written by Tom Fegent (Psychologist)