Addiction to alcohol or cocaine alters circuits in the brain, which leads to less cognitive flexibility, and this has consequences on the quality of life.
- Addiction to cocaine or alcohol can affect brain circuits.
- This is manifested by a lower cognitive flexibility, or our brain’s ability to adapt.
- But it also leads to greater addiction to substances.
Several million people suffer from addiction in France, according to Inserm. This has significant consequences on health: risk of overdose, personal or professional difficulties, illnesses. According to new research, published in the journal Nature, substance dependence also has cerebral consequences. The authors of this study decipher the effects of an addiction to alcohol or cocaine on cognitive abilities.
Addictions: what is cognitive flexibility?
According to these scientists from Texas A&M University School of Medicine, addiction to either substance affects our cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt and switch between different tasks or strategies. It is important for academic or professional success and in the transition to adulthood. “As we age, this flexibility plays a major role in mitigating cognitive decline.”, they add. In general, a deficit of cognitive flexibility has negative consequences on the quality of life. “Although previous research has hinted at this link, the underlying reasons for this cognitive impairment remain elusive.“, say the authors.
How does addiction affect brain networks?
Their work demonstrates that the use of substances such as alcohol or cocaine influences a specific group of neurons called striatal direct pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs), with projections to a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Conversely, cognitive flexibility is facilitated by striatal cholinergic interneurons (CIN). “Our hypothesis was that increased dMSN activity due to substance use inhibits CINs, leading to reduced cognitive flexibility., says Dr. Jun Wang, associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University School of Medicine. (…) Our research confirms that substance use induces lasting changes in the inhibitory communication between dMSNs and CINs, thereby impairing cognitive flexibilityFurthermore, this communication between dMSN and SNr reinforces the consumption of drugs and alcohol.
Cognitive decline linked to cocaine and alcohol: new methods of treatment?
Faced with these conclusions, the scientists are optimistic: their discoveries should make it possible to find new therapeutic approaches to treat the cognitive decline linked to addiction.
As for the treatment of addiction itself, theHealth Insurance recalls that “the care of a person with addictive disorders is generally based on the combination of drug treatment, individual and collective psychological monitoring and social support.. Prescribed medications help people cope with withdrawal or can help reduce intake. “There is no magic ‘recipe’, warns Inserm. Treatment is often long and strewn with relapsesThe organization points out that the success of weaning depends essentially on the motivation to wean off and on the lasting improvement of living conditions and self-esteem.
