Drugs change our brain, and our brain is our operating system, our computer. If our computer starts going too slow, not opening files properly, not reacting the way it should we either get a new one or take it into the shop to get it fixed. We can't really do that with our brain, but what we can do is stop hurting it. Drug and alcohol abuse hurts our brain.
The image above shows the effect of 3 to 4 time a week marijuana use and weekend binge drinking on an 18 year old.
What are the symptoms associated with this brain??
Poor school performance
Attendance problems
Difficulty focusing
Poor emotional control
Poor impulse control
Poor decision making
Anger issues
If our brain changed overnight as much as the one above we would rush to the hospital to see what was the matter but because it happens over some time we don't notice the changes, often people around us do notice. If people who care about you are saying that you have changed, perhaps this is why.
You can't take your brain into the shop for a tune up, or run a bot removal program to speed it up again but you can help it by giving it a chance to recover. Take a 2 week break from drug and alcohol use. Pay attention to what gets better...
Image courtesy of Amen Clinics
