Environment has radical influences on how the centers of the brain’s cravings work. By going back to the same spots where drugs, alcohol or pornography was used in the past will significantly increase chances of relapse. In early stages of recovery the brain signals are much more intense so it is very important to not be around these types of environmental ques. Genetic vulnerability is another factor. It is widely know that relatives of alcoholics are much more sensitized to the affects of alcohol even if they are not an alcoholic. By becoming an “impartial spectator” the abuser can understand the influences of environment and genetic vulnerability. It is important to get into supportive environments and communities where they can get help managing these cravings. Associate Research Professor of Psychiatry & author of almost 100 scientific publications in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry & two popular books “Brain Lock” and “A Return of Innocence”. He has lectured widely in the US, Europe and Asia. At UCLA, he made his key discovery: that a four-step cognitive behavioral therapy he pioneered is capable to changing the activity in a specific brain circuit of patients with OCD.
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