By Jen Romanowski
Our brain includes a region responsible for what is called “Executive Function.” The Executive function region is like the brain’s control center or manager. It helps us get things done. Consider it the skills you need to plan, focus, remember things, and juggle multiple tasks. These processes are critical for day-to-day functioning and achieving long-term goals. Unfortunately, addiction has a profound impact on these cognitive abilities, often making recovery an uphill battle.
Add the fact that chronic substance abuse disrupts the normal functioning of this region in the brain, leading to deficits that persist even after achieving sobriety. Understanding this can help us appreciate why individuals in recovery often face unique challenges. And truth be told, our executive function plays a critical role in our ability to stay on the road to recovery.
Executive Function Impact on Recovery
Impulse Control
One of the most noticeable deficits in individuals recovering from addiction is poor impulse control. This manifests as difficulty resisting cravings, acting out inappropriately, or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences. This tends to be one of the executive functions that people are familiar with as it is the one that ‘gets them in trouble.’ It can often lead to the rationalization that an individual ‘just can’t stop.’
Decision-Making Difficulties
Many people in recovery struggle with making decisions. This is partly due to the impaired functioning of the prefrontal cortex, which hinders their ability to weigh options, foresee outcomes, and choose the best course of action. If you’ve ever found yourself in analysis paralysis or even decision paralysis, your executive function was in play (or not for that matter).
Emotional Regulation
Addiction often leaves individuals with a compromised ability to regulate their emotions. This can lead to mood swings, heightened stress responses, and difficulties in maintaining stable relationships. The regulation of emotions is one of the most challenging things to face once you’ve stepped onto the road to recovery because addiction is often a way to numb those emotions. Now, without the addiction in place, you’re usually forced to face emotions you weren’t taught how to process.
How These Impacts Hinder the Recovery Process
Relapse Risks
Poor impulse control and decision-making difficulties can increase the risk of relapse. The inability to resist cravings or make sound decisions makes it easier to fall back into old habits, especially if you aren’t actively trying to learn new ways to control your impulses or make decisions.
Strained Relationships
Challenges in emotional regulation can strain relationships with family, friends, and support networks, which are critical for successful recovery. This is particularly true with close, intimate relationships. Often, those struggling with addiction will struggle to ask for help and will even lash out when help is offered.
Difficulty in Adopting Healthy Habits
Executive function deficits can make it difficult to adopt and maintain healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent participation in recovery programs. This is why it is so common to hear the phrase “one day at a time” in recovery. It’s meant to help you focus on adopting small, healthy habits that you can incorporate into your daily life.
Two Techniques for Building Willpower
While the challenges are significant, the power of will should not be underestimated. Building and maintaining Willpower is crucial for overcoming the hurdles posed by executive function deficits. And I know what you may be thinking: “Willpower? Yeah, right!” But according to the Recovery Research Institute, over 22 million Americans are in recovery, and they have managed to find the Willpower to stay there!
- Setting SMALL Goals
SMALL (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, LITTLE, LIKEABLE) goals provide a clear roadmap for achieving long-term objectives. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if you know that you are sick of your current job and want a new one, break that down to start by just finding your resume to update.
- Habit Formation
When those SMALL goals are tied to positive habits, you can use them to build momentum. For example, commit to attending one weekly recovery meeting or practicing mindfulness for five minutes daily. The key here is not to make it big, scary, or difficult or to create resistance by making it too complex to complete. Find something you can do once a day or once a week.
At the end of the day…
Recovery is a complex and multifaceted journey that requires our brain to help us stay on the road to recovery. By understanding the impact of addiction on executive function and employing strategies to build and maintain Willpower, individuals can overcome their challenges and achieve lasting sobriety.
Jen Romanowski
a.k.a. Sunshine, The Pink-haired Psychic Medium, High Priestess, Reiki Master, and Sober Witch has been practicing for over 25 years. She is also a spiritual advisor and Creatrix of Illuminate: The Unschool of Sober Witchcraft. Visit www.sunshinereadings.com to learn more about her and her offerings, or text her at 313-595-4148 for recovery support.
