Teaching on Neuroscience When it Wasn’t a Thing

I learned long ago when Neuroplasticity was a new science and our brilliant substance abuse recovery director at the time implemented a few simple requirements to the men and women’s program.  

It takes work AND it works to evaluate behavior patterns, then to reset and practice building new pathways in the brain. 

The fact is the brain can adapt to new conditions. The first step for the residents was to teach them in weekly classes that brains pathways can be rewired, a huge leap of hope for many of them after years of trauma and suffering, believing they would remain stuck in their addictions.  

Most had no idea of the damage done, how their brains were physiologically affected and changed, not only by their drugs of choice, but also by the heavy influence of their early upbringing, their culture and initial caregivers; whoever they were: parents, community, social influence, and/or extended family, many as gang members. 

They learned the roots of dysfunction ran deeper than they knew, and why it was reasonable to believe they were incapable of change.  The work began. The case managers, counselors, teachers, vested volunteers, and residents, we all learned the life changing lessons of self evaluation, implementation (the how to) of change, the personalized work itself, and self regulation to sustain change.  The results were powerful.  The program became known and respected for the program resident’s low recidivism rate in the prison system cycle.   

Utilizing the tools I’ve learned then and sharpened with my training and certification in Integrated Attachment Theory now, you can experience potential breakthroughs and navigate emotional and relational patterns with confidence.  What works, can work, when you work it!