22/07/2025
🧠 Healing the Brain in Recovery
Why You Must Be Patient With Yourself
When someone stops using drugs, alcohol, or gambling, the brain doesn’t heal immediately. This is because addiction damages brain chemicals called neurotransmitters — they control how we feel, think, and sleep.
🔑 Key Brain Chemicals Affected by Addiction:
1. Dopamine – Helps with joy and motivation
After addiction: No joy, no energy
To heal: Exercise, worship, celebrate small wins
2. Serotonin – Controls mood and sleep
After addiction: Depression, mood swings
To heal: Sunlight, prayer, healthy food
3. Norepinephrine – Gives energy and focus
After addiction: Tiredness, brain fog
To heal: Wake up early, have a routine
4. GABA – Helps you feel calm and relaxed
After addiction: Anxiety, restlessness
To heal: Deep breathing, quiet time
5. Glutamate – Helps with thinking and memory
After addiction: Confusion, poor memory
To heal: Reading, journaling, puzzles
6. Endorphins – Reduces pain and brings joy
After addiction: Numbness, sadness
To heal: Laugh, hug, worship, connect
🕰️ What is PAWS?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is the emotional and mental struggle that happens even after detox. It’s normal. It means your brain is healing, but slowly.
❤️ Be Patient With Yourself
You are not lazy, your brain is rebuilding.
Some days will be hard, but don’t give up.
Keep walking in truth, prayer, and structure.
📖 Scripture:
1.Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
2.God has given you a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
Keep going. Healing takes time, but it’s happening.
