There are a number of cases where substance abuse can have a direct negative impact on the brain of the person using substances improperly, and one of these that can be especially harmful to some, especially those who suffer from alcohol abuse addiction, is known as the kindling effect. This is a harmful issue of brain chemistry that may impact some people for a long time, and it’s worth knowing about for those who are in recovery as well.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re happy to offer quality alcohol rehabilitation and treatment programs, plus other forms of substance abuse and addiction recovery as well. What is the kindling effect, why is alcohol a particularly harmful substance within this realm, and how can the kindling effect be treated in those who suffer from it? Here’s a primer.
What is the Kindling Effect?
When we talk about the kindling effect, we’re referring to changes in the brain chemicals of some people with substance abuse disorders, particularly alcohol abuse. In essence, it describes a situation where each attempt to quit drinking for good leads to worse and worse withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be both mental and physical in nature, and they can make it exceedingly difficult for a person to stay sober for any length of time.
The kindling effect is believed to happen because repeated attempts at quitting alcohol (or other substances) lead to changes in the brain chemistry. These changes then make withdrawal symptoms more intense and long-lasting each time a person tries to quit. As you can imagine, this can be a difficult cycle to break out of, which is why professional treatment is often necessary.
Common Effects of Kindling
Because heavy consumption of alcohol or other substances impacts your central nervous system, the kindling effect can produce a number of different symptoms. These may include anxiety, delirium, depression, irritability, and even seizures. In some cases, the symptoms may be so severe that a person needs to be hospitalized in order to detox safely.
It’s important to note that not everyone who abuses alcohol will experience the kindling effect. It seems to be more common in those who have had substance abuse issues for a long time, as well as those who have a family history of alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders.
Is it Only for Alcohol?
The simple answer here is no — any chemical or even electrical stimulus can technically lead to the kindling effect, even if it’s just a single exposure. However, alcohol is one of the most commonly reported substances in cases of kindling, likely because withdrawal symptoms are so common (and so severe) in those who abuse it.
Kindling and Other Mental Health Conditions
In many cases, it’s not uncommon to see the kindling effect in people who have also been diagnosed with other mental health disorders. For example, those with anxiety or depression may be more likely to experience the kindling effect because of changes in brain chemistry that are already present. This is one of the many reasons why it’s so important to seek professional treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders — a qualified professional can help you manage both conditions simultaneously and improve your situation.
Another common group who may suffer from kindling is those with bipolar disorder. It’s believed that the changes in brain chemistry associated with kindling can actually trigger manic episodes in those with bipolar disorder, which can be extremely dangerous.
Treating Kindling Effect
If you or a loved one is struggling with the kindling effect, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A qualified treatment provider will be able to not only diagnose the problem but also create a customized treatment plan that addresses both the substance abuse issue and any underlying mental health conditions.
In most cases, kindling can be effectively treated in the following ways:
- Therapy: Between themes like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and others, there are a number of different types of therapy that can be effective in treating the kindling effect. A qualified therapist will help you understand your triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with them.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be necessary to help stabilize mood and manage symptoms. This is often the case for those with bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. For instance, medications like anticonvulsants are often used to help prevent seizures during withdrawal.
- Support groups: There are a number of different types of support groups available, and they can be extremely helpful in managing the kindling effect. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two of the most well-known, but there are others that may be more specific to your needs.
- Supervision: For some people, the kindling effect is so severe that they need to be monitored around-the-clock during detox and withdrawal. This is often the case for those who are at risk of seizures or other serious symptoms. In these cases, you’ll be placed in a medically supervised detox facility where staff can ensure your safety and provide any necessary treatment.
As you can see, there are a number of different ways to effectively treat the kindling effect. If you or someone you love is struggling with this issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. With the right treatment, you can overcome the kindling effect and build a foundation for long-term recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction and resulting kindling effects, or for any of our other addiction recovery programs in Boise, speak to our team at Moonlight Mountain Recovery today.
