The manifestation of this allostatic state as compulsive drug-taking and loss of control over drug-taking is hypothesized to be expressed through activation of brain circuits involved in compulsive behavior such as the cortico-striatal-thalamic loop. The allostatic state represents a chronic deviation of reward set point and is fueled not only by dysregulation of reward circuits per se, but also by the activation of brain and hormonal stress responses. Allostasis from the addiction perspective is defined as the process of maintaining apparent reward function stability by changes in brain reward mechanisms. Counteradaptive processes such as opponent-process that are part of normal homeostatic limitation of reward function fail to return within the normal homeostatic range and are hypothesized to form an allostatic state. The development of addiction recruits different sources of reinforcement, different neuroadaptive mechanisms, and different neurochemical changes to dysregulate the brain reward system. Addiction is presented as a cycle of spiralling dysregulation of brain reward systems that progressively increases, resulting in the compulsive use and loss of control over drug-taking. A model is proposed for brain changes that occur during the development of addiction that explain the persistent vulnerability to relapse long after drug-taking has ceased. “Hacking” our happiness chemicals while our hedonic set point reaches its baseline will help us to feel better faster, and relieve some of that anxiety you have been feeling.This paper reviews recent developments in the neurocircuitry and neurobiology of addiction from a perspective of allostasis. This could be physical ń or cuddling up with your partner to release oxytocin. It can take time for our brain to get back to its normal state, so in the meantime it can be helpful to implement practices and exercises into your life that once brought you pleasure and joy to speed the process up. Then once our body and mind is able to recalibrate itself, it can begin to make its way back onto the wheel. The quickest way to get our brain back in our hamster wheel and replenish our dopamine system is to decrease the amount we are drinking or quit altogether. It can be helpful to remember that when we drink as a way of self-medicating or coping with an uncomfortable feeling that alcohol will only relieve us temporarily, but will cause an exacerbated effect of the emotion the day after. Alcohol may dull today's edge, but it will sharpen tomorrows. This is a direct result of alcohol depleting our system, leading to increased anxiety. Perhaps you have experienced hangxiety before but never knew what to call it? It’s the feeling of anxiousness related to drinking the night before.
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