Biology
of Addiction - Triggers and Cravings – Outpatient Program
During Session Five of Outpatient Treatment at The Right Step, you will learn more about addiction triggers and cravings, as well as about the biology of addiction. This lesson will also include information about the principles of classical conditioning.
In 1904, I.P. Pavlov, a Russian scientist, received the Nobel Prize for a series of experiments he conducted on the physiology of digestion. These experiments were continued by some of his students and later came to be known as the principles of classical conditioning.
Details you will learn about Pavlov and his methods include experiments he would conduct such as feeding dogs and ringing a bell at the same time. The dogs would see and smell the food. The food would stimulate, or trigger, their lower brains (autonomic nervous systems) causing the dogs to produce saliva and secrete gastric fluids in anticipation of digestion.
In a relatively short amount of time, Pavlov and his colleagues would ring the bell without the presence of food. The dogs would still produce saliva and gastric fluid, as if food were present. The dogs connected the sound of the bell, the trigger, with anticipation of eating and involuntarily responded physically to the powerful trigger, or stimulus, of the bell.
Once a dog has been conditioned in this way, no matter how smart or well-trained the dog is, a dog will continue to produce fluids at the sound of the bell. He has no choice.
Also covered in this session:
Addiction Triggers for Drugs and Alcohol - Triggers and Cravings – Part 1
Addiction Triggers for Drugs and Alcohol – Part 2
Biology of Addiction - The Power of Drugs on the Brain – Part 4
Biology of Addiction: Brain Neurotransmitters - Part 5
Treatment for Drug Abuse and Alcoholism-Introductory Phase of Addiction - Part 6
Alcohol Craving & Drug Cravings & Triggers - Part 7
Drug Abuse Addiction: Disenchantment Phase – Part 8
Alcohol Craving and Drug Abuse Addiction: Disenchantment Phase – Part 9
Substance Abuse Addiction: Disaster Phase – Part 10
Relapse Addiction: Recovery from Addiction – Part 11
Biology of Addiction: Thought Stopping Addiction Treatment – Part 12
Treatment for Addiction-Thought Stopping Techniques – Part 13
The Human Brain: Drug and Alcohol Triggers
During your addiction treatment you will learn more about the human brain and come to understand that it responds in exactly the same way to the conditioned drugs and alcohol triggers that produce cravings. Drugs and alcohol produce changes in the brain, which result in feelings of pleasure.
When triggers cause a person to experience cravings, the brain responds as if the actual chemicals are taken into the system. In other words, the brain is “drooling” in reaction to these triggers.
This reaction occurs whether or not the person intends to use. The only way that Pavlov’s dog can avoid drooling is by avoiding the bell. The chemically dependent person can also avoid his or her brain’s reaction by avoiding triggers.
Addiction Treatment Locations
Residents of local Texas and New Mexico cities including Tomball, Texas City, Victoria, Brownsville, Harlingen and Albuquerque often receive treatment for their addiction to drugs or alcohol through the Outpatient Programs at one of 20 convenient Right Step locations.
Out patient Alcohol Treatment and Outpatient Drug Treatment programs are offered in Austin TX, Baytown TX, Beaumont TX, Conroe TX, Dallas TX, Euless TX, Plano TX, Houston TX, Clear Lake TX, Ft. Bend TX, Pasadena TX, The Woodlands TX, San Antonio TX, Wimberley TX, Albuquerque NM.
Residential Treatment centers in DFW, Houston and Austin are also provided for recovery from addiction disease, attracting individuals from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Arizona and other areas of the United States to participate in recovery programs at The Right Step.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Resources:
Substance Abuse Addiction: Disaster Phase
Biology of Addiction - The Power of Drugs on the Brain – Outpatient Program
Biology of Addiction: Brain Neurotransmitters
Drug Abuse Addiction:
Disenchantment Phase
Treatment
for Drug Abuse and Alcoholism-Introductory Phase of Addiction
