The theory of cognitive dissonance has serious implications and the role that it plays in those with addiction helps specialists understand the reasoning behind how an individual with a substance use disorder thinks vs someone without cognitive dissonance and addiction one. It was proven that individuals tend to look for some sort of stability and dependability with their attitudes, perceptions, and thoughts. People fail to realize that everyone has different feelings and beliefs, which will influence how they are going to behave. Oftentimes, people have an explanation for their behavior and tend to rationalize it to make what they are doing seem more acceptable. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

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Understanding the normality of the feelings and recognising that at the root may well be some dissonance of some kind can hopefully lead to a bit of investigating to find out just what might be in conflict. Neuroscience research has correlated learning with the elaboration of neural networks in the brain. Many experiments have established that, as learning takes place, selected neurons increase their levels of activity and form new connections, or strengthen established connections, with networks of other neurons. Moreover, experimental techniques that prevent neuronal activity and networking inhibit learning. At first glance, it seems almost absurd that something as simple as a drug could wield such power, shaping my decisions and steering the course of my entire life. Yet, beneath that surface lies a brutal truth—addiction’s grip is both deep and almost unstoppable.

Drug Abuse vs Addiction: Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities

Some might even go so far as to say they’d never be able to enjoy themselves without their substance of use. The term “cognitive dissonance” refers to a mismatch between your beliefs and your actions. It’s possible to hold two conflicting ideas in your mind simultaneously, but doing so can be intensely uncomfortable. You might go to great lengths to relieve this discomfort, denying information or hiding your behavior to justify your actions and avoid guilt and shame. It’s like watching an Olympic-level mental gymnast perform increasingly elaborate routines to justify their actions. An alcoholic might tell themselves, “I only drink on weekends, so I don’t have a problem,” even as they secretly sneak drinks throughout the week.

Further research is needed to determine if delivering adjunctive neurocognitive rehabilitation of a broader set of executive and cognitive domains can enhance standard addiction treatment effectiveness. Research into the https://kolakachi.com/why-do-i-get-a-headache-every-time-i-drink-alcohol/ changes in cognition that accompany addiction and the neural substrates of learning and addiction is still in its infancy but has potential to reshape views on addiction. For example, a recent discovery that has generated excitement in the addiction field is that smokers who suffered damage to the insula often lost their desire to smoke (Naqvi et al., 2007).

Non-12 Step Rehab & Recovery

This dissonance-based intervention aims to shift readiness for change and drug/alcohol abuse behaviors in high school aged youth, in order to prevent drug dependence and serious negative consequences related to heavy use. In the substance abuse literature of the United States, the term “use” is sometimes used interchangeably with “abuse” when referring to children and adolescents. As established in the classic work of Newcomb and Bentler (1989), the differentiating characteristic discerning the definition of “use” from “abuse” is the presence of negative consequences to self or others. Even the potential for negative consequences warrants the term “abuse” by this definition. For example, a student who shows up at school under the influence of a substance may not have immediate cost to the student, but the behavior itself embodies the risk for negative consequences. Moreover, any use by children and adolescents can negatively affect cognitive, social, and physical aspects of development (Lubman, Yücel, & Hall, 2007).

Involving youth in adaptations and design of prevention programs has been shown to benefit not only the youth receiving the curriculum, but those that participate in the adaptation process. Defense mechanisms that keep people in addiction also keep cognitive dissonance working for them. They have to hit a very deep and heavy bottom space to break through the denial and see reality. It can be very difficult to embrace the idea they have let others down and let themselves go so far down. The opposite of dissonance is consonance or a resolution to the perception of reality.

She approaches her clients from a place of authenticity, genuine compassion, and believes that everybody deserves a rich and fulfilling life free of addiction and maladaptive behaviors. In addition to therapy, support, and counseling from Lantana are essential components of addiction recovery. Breaking free from addiction and resolving cognitive dissonance often necessitate professional guidance. Therapists, support groups, and treatment programs can offer the necessary support, understanding, and strategies to cope with cognitive dissonance and achieve long-term recovery.

• It is crucial for specialists to comprehend the role of cognitive dissonance in addiction perception in order to effectively treat their clients.
• By understanding the role cognitive dissonance plays in maintaining addictive behaviors, individuals can develop more effective strategies for overcoming their dependency.
• Few studies have integrated the “cognition-emotion-behavior intention” framework and introduced self-efficacy in the theory of planned behavior to further enrich the cognitive and emotional dimensions from the level of the logic of internal factors.
• Prior studies have also shown that cyberbullying is a major concern among pan-entertainment mobile live broadcast platform users 103.

Cognitive deficits and treatment outcomes

• Located on the historic peninsula of Charleston, South Carolina, Lantana Recovery takes a modern approach to Substance Use Disorder treatment, offering intensive clinical care while also immersing our clients in local Charleston culture.
• Complex cognitive testssimultaneously tap into several different cognitive abilities.
• The emotional struggle can make us question ourselves, our choices, and ultimately our happiness.
• For those who experience detox or institutionalization as “routine,” cognitive dissonance has dulled the seriousness of these interventions, keeping them trapped in a cycle of addiction.
• Cognitive dissonance occurs when someone holds two or more conflicting thoughts, especially when their actions clash with their values.

In addition, in the United States, one must note the illegal nature of underage use of alcohol and illicit substances including marijuana. Therefore, for the purpose of this article, all use will be referred to as abuse due to the pervasiveness of use in the adolescent population studied and the negative consequences related to substance use. Treatment options for individuals experiencing cognitive dissonance in addiction include therapy, residential treatment programs, and intervention planning services. One-on-one therapy is particularly effective in addressing cognitive dissonance and helping individuals shift their beliefs and behaviors.

The human brain continues to develop and consolidate important neural pathways from the prenatal period through adolescence. Throughout these years, the brain is highly malleable, and drug-induced alterations of neural plasticity may deflect the normal course of brain maturation. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two related but contradictory cognitions, or thoughts. Therefore, findings may not generalize to other regions in the U.S. or other countries. Youths may have felt unable to express opinions that diverged from those of the larger group, meaning differing ideas may have been missed.

• Mason is detail oriented, organized, efficient oral and written communicator, and passionate about creating a positive workplace for our staff and an excellent recovery environment for our clients.
• In addiction, cognitive dissonance is often present as individuals struggle to reconcile their desire to continue abusing substances with the harmful effects and negative consequences of their addictive behaviors.
• Recent studies provide evidence in support of 4, in partial support of 5 and contrary to 6 the validity and clinical relevance of specific cognitive bias measures.
• Seeking professional help for Cognitive Dissonance allows those with mental health conditions such as anger issues, personality disorders and addictions to make positive changes to their lifestyle, allowing them to move forward.
• While data collection is a necessary aspect of AI-driven systems, it is equally important to implement technical measures to prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information, thereby preserving the privacy of users.

In the earlier example, you may say “it’s just one drink” and allow yourself to indulge “guilt-free” (at first). Our goal is to break the cycle of addiction by equipping you with the tools you need to stay healthy and avoid a relapse. We understand you might have reached a point where you feel helpless, hopeless or desperate, and we will help you counteract those painful states of mind by meeting you with empathy, compassion and love.

When friends and family try to make a person with a substance use disorder (SUD) see that they need help, it is common for someone with an addiction to not be deliberately willful. This is because they are set on their own beliefs and justify them, even though they are misguided and careless. In alcohol recovery, Cognitive Dissonance presents many risks and challenges for both the addiction recovery specialist and patient. According to mental health experts, mental health is the ability to handle uncertainty – and those with a higher threshold for delay tend to experience less distress and Cognitive Dissonance than those with lower scores. Recovery is possible, and with the right support, individuals can embark on a journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Arrowwood Addiction Center today – it could be the first step towards breaking free from the chains of addiction and embracing a brighter future.

These survey items were analyzed to assess for problems with misinterpreting questions, dishonest responses, and failure to follow instructions. The analysis revealed an insignificant number of students whose responses were affected by these problems (TCADA, 2000). Items adapted from the questionnaire developed for the original Keepin’ it REAL research conducted in Phoenix were used to measure intentions to accept offers of substances. These items were also used in the pilot study examining Sober living house youth perceptions of the KIR videos (Holleran et al., 2005). These items were evaluated for reliability and demonstrated good internal consistency with an alpha of .82 (Hecht et al., 2003).