Hijacked Brains by Barnes Henrietta Robin;Henrietta Robin Barnes MD;

Author:Barnes, Henrietta Robin;Henrietta Robin Barnes, MD;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: University Press of New England

A marked change in drug use and behavior occurs among people in their mid- to late twenties. The proportion of heavy users and those whose behavior in their early twenties met criteria for substance abuse or dependence plummets from about 50 percent to the expected prevalence in the adult population of about 10 percent.45 The decrease in drug use and the personal and social changes at this stage of development reflect the final maturity of human brain growth and frequently a change in social circumstance. Marriage, family, and employment are all sobering influences, often described as the “turning point” in recovery. Could these “turning points” be in fact the “tipping points” 46 that favor resilience over vulnerabilities? To consolidate their sobriety, some men in Vaillant’s longitudinal study credited an alternative addiction: compulsive exercise, immersion in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or finding another more socially acceptable outlet for their addictive behavior.

Other users are not so resilient. Among this more vulnerable population, low self-esteem is a hallmark of addiction. Societal attitudes about addiction confirm the sense of failure.

Bill described repeated episodes of treatment, relapse, and more treatment as proof of his overwhelming failure, rather than evidence of his tenacious efforts to try to get off drugs. His pervasive negative self-perception prevented him from recognizing and building on the strengths that he had. He resorted to blaming others for his predicament: his homelessness was his girlfriend’s fault; he missed his appointment because the receptionist told him the wrong date; he was asked to leave a treatment program after an angry outburst because the counselor was too sensitive. Bill had not accepted responsibility for his behavior and its consequences. As long as he assigned control of his life to forces outside himself, there was no impetus to change his own behavior. His learned helplessness reinforced the sense of hopelessness. His prognosis for establishing a solid remission seemed guarded.

Contrast Bill with Linda, mother of two young daughters, now separated from her unsupportive addicted husband. She had started to feel desperate again. Her psychiatric and addictions treatments were working well for her, but she was being evicted. Unable to work because of her current medical problems and child care issues, she had no way to pay the rent. But Linda had a plan. She would try to get into a family shelter; as a homeless family, she and her daughters would be eligible sooner for housing assistance.

“Nobody’s going to take care of me,” she announced. “I’m learning —” the words came more slowly. “I’m learning that I have to be responsible for myself, for myself and my kids. That’s the only thing that matters.”

Ten months later her resilience was still there despite crushing circumstances. An exacerbation of her bipolar disorder required a hospitalization. Her children again went to live with her aunt and uncle, who did not allow Linda into their house. Linda was staying in a “wet” homeless shelter, surrounded by intoxicated people. Out on the street by 6:30 a.m., she spent her days in the

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