Hijacking the Brain

Hijacking the Brain takes the reader on a fascinating journey though changes that occur in the brain and body of the addict and alcoholic, both while addicted and through working a Twelve-Step program of recovery. Hijacking the Brain provides the first-ever scientific explanation for the relative success of Twelve-Step Programs. Addiction is recognized as an 'organic brain disease.' Referencing evolutionary biology, sociobiology, psychology and neuroscience, Hijacking the Brain presents a captivating account of the neural and hormonal changes that occur in the brain and body in addiction and recovery. Written for the layperson with ample illustrations, Hijacking the Brain shows us the relationship of stress and addiction, as well as the reasons for cognitive decline in the addict. Hijack delivers a convincing and powerful biological, physical explanation for the effectiveness of the 'spiritual program' of Twelve Step recovery. Through a thorough review of scientific literature, personal stories, abundant illustrations, and examples from studies of our animal relatives, the reader will acquire an understanding of how stress causes and perpetuates the addictive cycle. To enrich the reader's understanding, the author discusses the brain's centers of emotion, memory and motivation. The role of the stress hormone, cortisol in addiction is discussed in depth. The author shows us how drugs of abuse cause deficits in decision-making, judgement, and emotional interoception, accelerating compulsive drug use. The role of stress hormones and cognitive impairment in the "phenomenon of craving" is discussed in detail. Most importantly, Hijacking the Brain shows how practicing a Twelve-Step recovery program helps us manage stress and bring us comfort. The instinctual and rewarding nature of positive empathetic socialization and altruism is presented as the foundation for the effectiveness of Twelve-Step groups and sponsorship. In this context, the role of the "comfort hormone," oxytocin, in recovery is presented. In Hijack, the author demonstrates through examples of behaviors in our animal relatives, as well as sophisticated imaging studies in humans, that empathic socialization and altruism are 'instinctively and naturally rewarding' and act as a substitute for the unnatural, 'synthetic rewards' of drugs of abuse. Hijack does not challenge the integrity of the Twelve Steps or Traditions of Twelve Step fellowships. On the contrary, 'Hijack' promotes Twelve-Step Programs and Traditions for recovery from all addictions. The sole intention of Hijacking the Brain is to connect the dots between an 'organic brain disease' and the 'spiritual solution' of Twelve-Step programs with sound physical, scientific evidence. Avoiding scientific language as much as possible, 'Hijack' is written for the layperson and is abundantly illustrated. The author concludes: Humans and animals grow stronger best through enduring suffering and stress...without mood-altering substances. We adapt, we strengthen, or suffer more; sometimes perish. Thankfully, through Twelve-Step Recovery fellowships, we do not have to do it alone. In recovery, we learn to manage our emotional-reactivity and stress, and improve our comfort, without mood-altering substances. Our recovery from addiction is measured by our emotional fortitude, the return of comfort and joy, and the depth of our compassion for others.