The Problem: Hemispheric Dominance and the Addicted Mind - Part 1

Modern neuroscience shows that hemispheric dominance, particularly left-brain dominance, skews our perception toward linear, reductionist thinking. The left hemisphere is analytical, linguistic, and categorically driven; the right hemisphere is synthetic, intuitive, and holistic. When the left dominates unchecked, we become trapped in mental loops of logic divorced from context or systems over soul. This way of thinking leads many unable to visualize how to get out of the loop of negative behaviors and stifles creativity to problem solve for a new way of being. 

This imbalance correlates with glutamate toxicity and reward pathway overstimulation. Addiction, whether chemical or behavioral, is the embodiment of this imbalance: over-activation of the limbic system, chronic excitotoxicity, and impaired neuroplasticity reinforce a loop of craving and dissatisfaction. The mind becomes chemically tethered to repetition. Ironically, stroke recovery is also linked to glutamate toxicity, and there is a clinic that can reverse stoke in Boca Raton, Florida, by reversing this you can read more about that here. 

Let's Talk Epigenetics

Epigenetically, chronic stress and dopamine dysfunction affect the actual number of dopamine receptors and gene expression in GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways (GABA calms you down, a lack of it if severe enough can cause seizures), making “feeling normal” an uphill climb. This leaves someone so chemically tuned up, they are stuck to a frequency of survival rather than creation with addiction - aka "fight or flight."

Epigenetics refers to the chemical tags (like methyl or acetyl groups you may have heard about methylated B-12 and addiction on social media and more about that here. ) that attach to DNA or histone proteins, turning genes “on” or “off” without changing the DNA sequence itself. It’s like adjusting volume knobs on an audio board—the song (your DNA) stays the same, but the mix changes.

What We Are NOT Told - How Drugs Affect Epigentics

Drugs - legal or otherwise and even over the counter medications - can push the epigenetic knobs in powerful ways. Repeated exposure reshapes how neurons produce receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitters, influencing mood, motivation, and stress response for months or years. This is why quitting isn’t simply a matter of willpower; the brain’s operating system has been reprogrammed. 

Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Prescription Amphetamines)

Stimulants flood the synapse with dopamine and glutamate, which overstimulates reward circuits. Over time, this leads to methylation of dopamine receptor genes (particularly D2) and reduced expression of transporters that recycle dopamine. Translation: the receptors go offline, so natural rewards no longer feel satisfying.

There’s also histone acetylation that increases immediate early genes like ΔFosB, which reinforce craving and compulsive behavior patterns. The more you use, the stronger the gene expression loops become—literally engraving addiction at the chromatin level.

Even prescription ADHD drugs, when used for long periods of time or misused, can cause subtler versions of this effect. Neuroplasticity narrows toward dopamine-seeking behavior, while executive function (frontal cortex activity) thins.

Opioids (Heroin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl)

Opioids bind to mu-opioid receptors, producing euphoria and pain relief. Chronic exposure silences genes that regulate endogenous endorphins and upregulates genes related to stress and anxiety (like CRF—corticotropin-releasing factor).

Epigenetically, opioid use increases DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex, dampening impulse control and decision-making, while decreasing histone acetylation in reward-related regions, which blunts natural pleasure. This dual effect explains why withdrawal feels like emotional and physical annihilation: both the stress and reward systems are epigenetically rigged against you.

Benzodiazepines and alcohol alter histone acetylation in the amygdala (emotional center) and hippocampus (memory center), reinforcing anxiety loops and impaired contextual memory. Chronic alcohol use silences genes responsible for neurogenesis, literally reducing the brains ability to make new neurons. 

THC alters dopamine and serotonin signaling but also affects genes involved in myelination and synaptic pruning. Chronic, heavy use (especially before the brain finishes developing) can downregulate CB1 receptor expression and modify histone marks in the nucleus accumbens, altering motivation and emotional regulation.

Interestingly, cannabidiol (CBD) may counter some of these changes by modulating methylation and reducing oxidative stress—but the data is still early.

SSRIs and Antidepressants

These are subtler but still epigenetically active. Long-term SSRI use alters methylation in serotonin transporter genes (SLC6A4) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor or what I like to call Miracle Grow for the brain which is also activated with therapeutic ketamine infusion and other psychedelics) pathways. Sometimes these changes are therapeutic. They promote plasticity and new learning, but prolonged or discontinuous use can also destabilize receptor density and sensitivity, leading to emotional blunting or (sometimes severe) withdrawal syndromes when stopped abruptly. Because of lack of teaching to medical providers about this, many people have experienced gaslighting when attempting to discontinue use. 

The provider education from pharmaceutical companies minimize these symptoms and concerns by calling it "discontinuation syndrome" and often says they are minimal or non-existent. This makes patients feel ignored and unprepared. Not only is this a violation of the hippocratic oath, but also a violation of Natural Law because never they are not given a true informed consent. People who choose these medications never told about the epigenetic changes, you can read more about this here, here, and here.

This is Fixable. Don't Give Up...Ever

Neuromodulation as Reset: PENS and the Bridge Between Worlds

Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENS) is emerging as a non-pharmacological tool for rebalancing neural circuits. By targeting cranial nerve branches that interface with both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, PENS promotes homeostasis—essentially reminding the nervous system how to rest, recover, and reset.

When applied bilaterally, it engages interhemispheric communication across the corpus callosum, facilitating synchronization of alpha and theta rhythms—states associated with creative insight, meditation, and neurogenesis. Think of it as electro-acupuncture for the brain’s communication grid.

Used in conjunction with mindfulness or breathwork, PENS can reopen the “neural gates” to the right hemisphere...the seat of pattern recognition, empathy, and imagination.

Nutrition and Neurochemical Alchemy

Balancing the hemispheres begins in the gut and blood. Nutrients that support neuroplasticity, glutamate regulation, and receptor repair include:

• Magnesium threonate: mitigates glutamate excitotoxicity and enhances NMDA receptor balance.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA): rebuild neuronal membranes and improve inter-hemispheric communication speed.
• L-theanine and taurine: calm overactive neural firing, promoting GABA synthesis.
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): restores glutathione, detoxifies oxidative stress, and assists in addiction recovery.
• B-vitamins and methyl donors (like SAMe and folate): support epigenetic methylation processes that reprogram dysfunctional receptor expression.
• High Dose Vitamin C can greatly assist with post-acute withdrawals in opiate addiction. Learn more here: High Dose Vitamin C and Opiates 

The brain is a biochemical garden; it grows what it’s fed—both nutritionally and emotionally.

Movement and Neuroplastic Flow

Physical exercise, especially cross-lateral movements that engage both sides of the body (yoga, tai chi, dance, or even alternating-arm swimming), strengthens the corpus callosum and harmonizes hemispheric coordination. Rhythmic, patterned motion generates coherence between motor cortex and cerebellum, which in turn refines thought and intuition. Movement reintroduces rhythm to a brain caught in the static of stress. Check out the research into this. To be continued...

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult your medical provider for individual recommendation based on your personal profile and medical history.