The human mind is a complex and remarkable thing, especially when it comes to facing the challenges of benzodiazepine (benzo) withdrawal. Benzo withdrawal can be an arduous journey demanding immense strength and resilience. The ability to exert willpower and demonstrate tenacity during the challenging recovery is critical. After my doctor-directed cold turkey from my benzo, I had to be hospitalized. After my release, I went home and promised myself two things: I would not reinstate the benzo, and I would not end my life. Some days, I worried if I’d have the willpower and the tenacity to make good those promises. However, I did small things that strengthened my resolve by strengthening a specific brain region, even though, at the time, I didn’t know that was what I was doing. Now that I’m well and studying under the tutelage of Dr. Mark Brady, a brilliant social neuroscientist, I understand how some of my coping skills rewired my brain for the better.

I wrote this blog to help you rewire your brain for the better so you can hold on even through the most challenging times. Let me introduce to you your anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC).

The Anterior Midcingulate Cortex

Willpower and tenacity are closely linked to the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC), a region of the brain that plays a pivotal role in decision-making, emotional regulation, and cognitive control. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of the aMCC, its connection to willpower and tenacity, and how you can harness its potential to navigate the challenges of benzo withdrawal with greater fortitude. Willpower is the absolute resolve to do something or not to do something. For example, to quit smoking, one must resolve not to smoke another cigarette, while someone who wants to lose weight will resolve to do more exercise.

Understanding the Anterior Midcingulate Cortex (aMCC) in Benzo Withdrawal

Before we explore the relationship between the aMCC and willpower within the context of benzo withdrawal, it’s essential to grasp the basics of this brain region. The aMCC is a component of the cingulate cortex, situated in the medial part of the frontal lobe. (It is in your forehead region.) Its strategic location allows it to serve as a hub for processing a wide range of information, making it a critical player in our cognitive toolkit.

The Willpower Paradox in Benzo Withdrawal

Benzo withdrawal often presents a series of challenges, including pain, weakness, anxiety, and emotional turmoil. Maintaining the resolve to continue with your taper or to progress in your healing after you’re off the drug can seem extremely difficult. However, it’s crucial to understand that the concept of willpower during benzo withdrawal to help you keep going. Research has shown that willpower is not an infinite resource and can be depleted over time, a phenomenon known as “ego depletion.” (You don’t want this to happen.) Your capacity to exert self-control may diminish, particularly when coping with the demands of withdrawal. But this is where the aMCC comes into play.

The aMCC monitors the conflict between competing goals or desires (like reinstating the benzo or toughing out recovery) and facilitates decision-making. It helps us weigh the pros and cons of different actions, ultimately contributing to our ability to exert willpower. In the context of benzo withdrawal, this means that your aMCC can assist you in making decisions that align with your goals or promises that you’ve made to yourself, like getting through another day of suffering.

Synaptic Plasticity and Building Resilience

The human brain’s remarkable adaptability, known as neuroplasticity, is crucial during benzo withdrawal. Engaging in specific behaviors within the challenges of benzo withdrawal can stimulate synaptic plasticity in the aMCC. While it won’t directly impact the regulation of GABA receptors, these behaviors can enhance your mental resilience and tenacity during recovery. Let’s explore how that works.

Chemical messengers like kinases, NMDA receptors, and aspartate receptors play pivotal roles in synaptic plasticity. They are responsible for strengthening or weakening the connections between neurons, a process crucial for learning and memory. By accomplishing small challenges you give yourself, you can trigger these chemical processes, which may enhance the adaptability of your aMCC. For example, on the days I felt utterly and completely overwhelmed and hopeless, I challenged myself to go to my garden and tend to it, even if for five minutes. Or, I’d challenge myself to drag myself into the kitchen to make a piece of toast. Instead of feeling sorry for myself that I couldn’t do more or how unfair it was that my life was so significantly reduced, I celebrated the small victories. Each flower I planted, each load of laundry I washed and dried, and each bowl of oatmeal cooked was a victory! I awarded myself occasionally with a decaf latte, sipping the warmth and tasting the flavors, knowing I had pushed myself through the voices in my head that told me I was too sick, too broken, too damaged ever to be able to do anything again. Rewarding ourselves from time to time further enhances the rewiring of our brains.

Building Positive Circuits: Tips for Navigating Benzo Withdrawal

Now, let’s explore practical tips to harness the potential of your aMCC and bolster your resolve during benzo withdrawal:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting achievable goals for your recovery journey. Break these goals into smaller, manageable steps that you can tackle one at a time, like planting one flower, folding laundry, or learning a new song to sing.
2. Embrace Discomfort: Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable (even frightening!) and challenging, but try to view them as opportunities for growth and healing. Your aMCC can help you make decisions that support your long-term recovery goals and desires.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. The practices can aid in emotional regulation, which is crucial during withdrawal.
4. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a benzo-wise therapist or coach, positive support group, or understanding friends and family who can provide emotional support and guidance during your withdrawal journey.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: As you progress in your recovery, celebrate even the most minor achievements. Positive reinforcement can further strengthen the connections in your aMCC associated with willpower and tenacity. My rewards were a decaf latte or a shopping trip to Goodwill (when I could be on my feet for a while) to search for thrift-store treasures. What will be your rewards?
6. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about benzo withdrawal and its challenges. Understanding your circumstances can empower you to make informed decisions and persevere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC) is a remarkable part of the brain that plays a vital role in our ability to exert willpower and demonstrate tenacity, even in the face of the challenges posed by benzo withdrawal. While it won’t directly upregulate GABA receptors impacted by benzos, it can give you the mental strength to endure and recover.

By embracing discomfort, practicing mindfulness, seeking support, and celebrating your progress, you can tap into the potential of your aMCC to navigate benzo withdrawal with greater determination. Remember, your journey is about building inner strength, step by step, as you move towards a healthier, happier life.

Add Your Voice

What actions will you take to accomplish small challenges you make for yourself? What promises have you made to yourself about navigating benzo withdrawal?

Watch Dr. Huberman’s video for more information about the Anterior Midcingulate Cortex. You can start at 0:54.