Golden Peak Recovery Participates in Brain Awareness Week; Publishes Article on Effects of Drug Abuse

March 16th, 2020 – As part of Brain Awareness Week, Golden Peak Recovery in Denver published an article today about the effects of drug abuse on the brain, particularly on brain function. Golden Peak aims to raise awareness about the various ways illicit substances can affect this vital organ.

Brain Awareness Week is an annual campaign held every March, that seeks to garner widespread support for brain science. The brain is an intricate, complex organ. Made up of billions of brain cells called neurons, the brain is in charge of the flow of information throughout the entire body. It sends and receives signals, controlling movement, and regulating emotions.

The brain is a powerful processor of information. However, this delicate system can be disrupted by illicit substances. Drugs such as cocaine, meth, and heroin can interfere with the way neurons process signals. Some drugs can block these signals entirely, while other drugs can amplify them. When amplified, neurons cause a large number of brain chemicals to be released, causing feelings of euphoria.

The person taking drugs experiences extreme pleasure, which rewires the brain and motivates it to seek out the drug and keep taking it. This sensation or “high” is often greater than the pleasure that is produced naturally within the brain. This is what makes drugs so addictive.

Continued abuse of illicit drugs can dramatically affect the brain, even damaging certain areas. Drugs can alter the areas of the brain that are necessary for basic, vital body functions. That includes automatic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep. All of these necessary functions are disrupted by drugs. It also explains why overdoses can interrupt a person’s breathing and heart rate. Drug abuse, in some cases, may even lead to death because of its devastating effects.

The brain is considered a wondrous organ. Its seemingly miraculous design continues to amaze medical professionals. Golden Peak Recovery urges people to take care of their brains. Take the time to learn more about this organ during Brain Awareness Week. By participating in this annual campaign, Golden Peak Recovery hopes to shine a light on how the brain can be adversely affected by illicit substance abuse.

This Niznik behavioral health facility hopes that anyone living with addiction will reach out and get the help that they need.

Brain Awareness Week was founded by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives (DABI) and the European Dana Alliance for the Brain. It was put together by the Dana Foundation. This global campaign supports the development of brain science. During this week-long event, partners host a set of events and activities within their communities to share how brain science impacts our daily lives.

Golden Peak Recovery in Denver is dedicated to helping people who are struggling with addiction and suffering from its effects. Compassion is at the core of Golden Peak’s client-centered programs. This Denver treatment facility offers Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Aftercare Planning. Golden Peak even offers a variety of resources to their alumni, including assistance with aftercare treatment planning, help with housing arrangements, and life skills training.

Call Golden Peak Recovery today.