When Will I Get My Mind Back?

One of the most common concerns in recovery is, “When will I fully get my mind back?” After living in addiction, many people find themselves struggling with memory issues, brain clarity issues, emotional instability, and an overall sense of mental fog. The good news is that healing takes time, patience, and, most importantly, trust in God’s healing.

The Science of Brain Healing

Addiction profoundly affects the brain’s structure and function. Drugs and alcohol hijack the brain’s reward system, overstimulating dopamine pathways that leads to dependency. Over time, this rewiring weakens cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and even the ability to experience joy naturally.

Scientific research shows that the brain typically needs a minimum of between one to two years in order to begin significant healing. However, full cognitive restoration can take even longer, depending on the severity of the addiction, the substance (or substances) used, and individual health factors. The prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning, requires extended recovery, This is why early recovery often feels like an uphill battle.

What the Bible Says About Renewal

While science confirms the brain’s need for time to heal, Scripture gives us a deeper promise. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal is both spiritual and physical. Just as the body needs time to detox and rebuild, so does the mind. Through faith, we allow God to restore us from the inside out. Remember, HE created you!

Why It Feels So Slow

During recovery, it can feel frustrating when your thoughts aren’t as sharp as before or when emotions swing unpredictably. Some common struggles include:

• Memory problems – Forgetting things more easily.
• Mood swings – Feeling overly sensitive, irritable, or anxious.
• Lack of motivation – Struggling to feel excitement or ambition.
• Foggy thinking – Trouble focusing or processing information.

These symptoms are part of the brain’s rebalancing and rebuilding process. Just as a broken bone needs time to heal and regain strength, your mind is going through a similar process.

What You Can Do From a Spiritual Aspect to Support Healing

Though full healing takes time, you can actively participate in the renewal of your mind through:

• Daily Prayer & Scripture Reading – Meditate on God’s promises to restore and renew you. Sit alone in a quiet space, put on quiet instrumental praise music, and keep repeating the Scriptures God gives you for healing and patience.
• Healthy Nutrition – Feed your brain with non-GMO and organic whole foods, the right supplements, and proper hydration. I’ve spoken about proper nutrition in other posts on this blog.
• Regular Exercise – Physical movement increases oxygen flow and boosts brain function.
• Adequate Rest – Your brain repairs itself during sleep, so use this time to get some extra sleep.
• Fellowship with Believers – Encouragement and accountability help strengthen your faith and mental resilience.
• Spend time with your Recovery Coach about this and talk about it for encouragement that will ease your mind.

Trust the Process—God is at Work

Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God is faithful. Though healing may take longer than you wish, He is working behind the scenes, restoring what was broken. Your mind is being renewed, and your ability to think clearly, feel deeply, and live fully will return. Many doctors WRONGLY put people in recovery on psychotropic drugs that they feel will help them. These drugs are extremely damaging and could prevent a full recovery. If you’re one of these people, seek out a doctor who will detox you from those drugs and help you nutritionally instead. DO NOT DISCONTINUE THESE DRUGS ON YOUR OWN!

Recovery is not just about abstaining from dangerous substances; it’s about reclaiming the fullness of life that God intended for you. Be patient, stay faithful, and trust that in His perfect time, you will fully get your mind back—and more.

Have a blessed rest of your day! Don’t despair. Healing is just around the corner! TRUST GOD! Hoping to see you in my next post. Bye for now!