NEUROBIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO THE TRAUMA-ADDICTION NEXUS: UNDERSTANDING AND APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
Keywords:
Trauma and Addiction, Neurobiological Mechanisms, Emotional Regulation, Prefrontal Cortex, Substance Use Disorders, Neuroimaging StudiesAbstract
This paper examines the neurobiological connection between trauma and addiction, focusing on the impact of trauma on brain regions that regulate stress and emotions. Using a secondary qualitative approach, the research consolidates findings from neuroimaging studies, clinical case reports, and academic literature to highlight the ways in which trauma affects areas like the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. These regions, responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and memory processing, often undergo changes due to trauma, increasing susceptibility to addictive behaviors as a form of coping. The findings suggest that disruptions in these neural pathways can lead to maladaptive responses, such as substance abuse, in an attempt to manage emotional dysregulation and stress. The study’s methodology allows for an in-depth understanding of current knowledge on trauma-related neurological changes that contribute to addiction. However, reliance on existing studies may limit the ability to incorporate the latest advancements in neurobiology. Overall, this research underscores the importance of trauma-informed approaches in addiction treatment, aiming to address underlying neurobiological factors in substance use disorders.
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