Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal cortex in response to stress.  Almost every cell in the body has a receptor for cortisol.  Technically, cortisol helps break down proteins and converts them to glucose, helps make fats available for energy, increases blood flow by restricting blood vessels, and stimulates behavioral responsiveness.  During pregnancy, cortisol is necessary for the normal fetal maturation and the birth process.   Cortisol in brief doses is necessary, but prolonged release of cortisol creates a host of problems.  Prolonged exposure to cortisol lowers the ability of neurons in the hippocampus to use glucose, thus when blood flow decreases, metabolism decreases and the neurons die-so there can be memory problems as a result.  Cortisol alters the ability of GABA receptors to inhibit glutamate receptors in the amygdala. Furthermore, cortisol reduces neurotropic growth factors which are essential for cell growth, cell survival, and maintaining synaptic connections in the hippocampus and other brain regions.  Disruptions to cortisol levels and what is called the HPA axis which controls the cortisol process, can cause all sorts of problems for a person.  For instance, depriving a child in forming a close bond with a single trusted caregiver in the first 6 months of life can lead to a highly sensitive stress regulation system.  The release of cortisol in the body is directly influenced by a person's stress levels.  Cortisol, released in response to stress, can directly suppress the immune system.  One way to control cortisol levels is to teach clients how to meditate and control their stress levels.  Addiction Treatment is a stressful undertaking.  If the person wasn't suffering from stress prior to entering addiction treatment then they certainly will experience stress after entering addiction treatment.  This is one of the reasons why we focus so much on minimizing and controlling stress levels in our clients.  It is important for people to know the vital roles cortisol and stress play in the body and how this can lead to illness and possibly to relapse.   

Labels: Addiction and The Brain, Cortisol and Drug and Alcohol Treatment