The Brain Fix: How Understanding Neuroscience Enhances Treatment Compliance

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The Brain Fix explains the symptomology and behaviors of an addiction using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. New and improved brain imaging techniques (fMRI, SPECT, MRS, CT, PET, and EEG) over the last decade have opened up new opportunities to provide insight into what recovery is and how therapy, nutrition and drugs can catalyze the recovery process. The Brain Fix helps put treatment into perspective and action because one can actually visualize the addiction as an imbalance of interconnecting circuits that trigger distorted thinking and feelings around drugs and behavior, which otherwise would be abstract concepts beyond their imagination and reach. The illustration provides a backdrop on which tradition treatments (CBT, IPT, trauma resolution, 12-step, and antidepressants) as well as novel techniques (EDMR, positive psychology, meditation) can be explained, supported and connected. Finally, this concrete neuroscientific explaination enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than weight gain, refeeding, and abstinence from inappropriate behaviors are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Many times it is hard to communicate with addicts struggling with various negative complaints, just how wellness methods play out in the healing process. With the onslaught of new brain imaging techniques (PET scans, fMRI, EEGs) and new brain pathway discoveries in the field of neurochemistry, there is fortunately a window of opportunity to begin to allow anyone to visualize what is taking place in their bodies as lifestyle changes are practiced. This lends additional credibility to the therapist-patient connection and may accelerate the healing process. It has long been recognized that the body will not respond to what the brain does not understand. The times we heal most efficiently are when we know the cause of our symptoms. By owning an understanding of the healing process, our body is allowed to heal itself and the catalyst for healing are wellness techniques of exercise, nutrition, meditation and behavioral change.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.