This study looks at an area close to our research hearts. The role of emotion processing deficits in alcohol dependence and relapse. It is a good overview of some of the literature. The underlying mechanism which prompts relapse is not unearthed in this study. You may have to […]
This is an appendum to yesterday’s blog – Ultimately, as this study (1) alludes to, there is a vital role for amygdaloid activity in both anxiety disorders and in alcoholism. It seems, however, to be suggesting that this amygdaloid hyperactivity is mainly prevalent in withdrawal and protracted abstinence. […]
The principles of the programme of Alcoholics Anonymous are scientific and closely follow all the helping therapies which lead people to emotional well-being.
Yesterday we looked a how low heart rate variability in alcoholics (active and in recovery) may influence self, emotion and stress regulation, and have a limited effect on impulsivity, and result in a “locked in” attention to alcohol-related cues, all of which have obvious consequences for relapse. Here […]
In yesterday’s blog we looked at how AA membership and the 12 step program of recovery helped reduce impulsivity in recovering alcoholics. We mentioned also that impulsivity was present as a pathomechanism of alcoholism from vulnerability in “at risk” children from families, were there was a history of […]
I can change my brain and behaviour via neuroplasticity by behaving differently towards myself! Here we look at one study on self compassion in relation to those who have alcohol use disorders. It will be a first in a series of blogs about the role of the heart […]
In this two part blog we have considered evidence that shows intrapersonal traits (e.g. rejection sensitivity and low self esteem) and interpersonal environments (e.g. the family environment) can interact to increase an addict’s risk of relapse. This study (1) concludes by proposing that substance-dependent individuals with high trait rejection sensitivity […]
“Staying in Action” Part 3 by alcoholicsguide In this third part of our blog on the gambling addicts version of “dry drunk” we look at further “symptoms” of this. We hasten to add that a good 12 step program would soon iron out most of these emotional and behavourial […]
Predicting relapse via extent of emotional dysregulation? by alcoholicsguide Even the most experienced counselors have difficultly spotting a recovering alcoholic in danger of relapse. Brain imaging scans might do a better job according to a study last year by researchers at Yale University. They suggested that alcoholics with […]
In an earlier blog we asked the question whether neurobiological or “conditioning” or reinforcement models of craving predict relapse in abstinent alcoholics and addicts? For us this is the most essential question. How do we explain relapse in those individuals motivated to remain abstinent, especially when they have followed some […]
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