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Oxytocin May Remedy Drug Abuse Effects

Oxytocin May Reverse Corrosive Effects of Long-Term Drugs Abuse

oxytocinA person’s social life has a great influence in his possibility of using drugs of pleasure. Most of drugs of pleasure are used in social circles and therefore it is appropriate to say that social factors play an important role in the initiation, maintenance and recovery from addictions. There is now accumulating evidence of an interaction between the neural substrates of affiliate behavior and those of drug reward, with a role for brain oxytocin systems in modulating acute and long-term drug effects.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that is made in the brain, in the hypothalamus, and it is transported to, and secreted by, the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Chemically it is known as a nonapeptide, (because it is a peptide containing nine amino acids), and biologically, as a neuropeptide. It acts both as a hormone and as a brain neurotransmitter. Due to its roles in behavior, this hormone has been given different names such as the love hormone, cuddle hormone, bliss hormone, moral molecule and even hug hormone. Researchers say that it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially.

However this hormone seems to have many functions that can be very helpful to clinical treatment of those enslaved by drug addiction. Researchers have been able to establish a link between addiction and oxytocin and the findings are promising as new approaches can be developed on the basis of the influence of oxytocin on drug addiction to help quell drug addiction and free addicts enslaved to drug use.

Past researchers have indicated that exogenous oxytocin administration can prevent development of tolerance to ethanol and opiates, the induction of stereotyped, hyperactive behavior by stimulants, and the withdrawal symptoms associated with sudden abstinence from drugs and alcohol. In addition to this finding, stimulation of endogenous oxytocin systems is a key neurochemical substrate underlying the prosocial and empathogenic effects of party drugs such as MDMA often referred to as Ecstasy and GHB mostly known as Fantasy. According to these early research reports, brain oxytocin systems exhibit profound neuroplasticity and undergo major neuroadaptations as a result of drug exposure. Many drugs, including cocaine, opiates, alcohol, cannabis, MDMA and GHB cause long-term changes in markers of oxytocin function and this may be linked to enduring deficits in social behavior that are commonly observed in laboratory animals after going through repeated exposure to these drugs. Very recent preclinical studies have illustrated a remarkable ability of exogenously delivered oxytocin to inhibit stimulant and alcohol self-administration, to alter associated drug-induced changes in dopamine, glutamate and Fos expression in cortical and basal ganglia sites, and to prevent stress and priming-induced relapse to drug seeking. Oxytocin therefore has fascinating potential to reverse the corrosive effects of long-term drugs abuse on social behavior and to perhaps inoculate against future vulnerability to addictive disorders. However clinical studies that are examining intranasal oxytocin effects in humans with drug use disorders are still awaited but hopes are high that the results may open ways into a new dimension in fighting drug addiction by using this hormone.

Targeted as a novel treatment of Drug addiction

Over the years researchers have had speculations that oxytocin may have an effect on drug addiction and related behaviors. Clinical doctors and other researchers have got the knowledge that people who are addicted to certain drugs exhibit antisocial traits and exhibit poor decision making in the social domain. There has also been a link between high levels of oxytocin and blossoming relationships as well as stable social bonds. Due to its speculated effects on drug addiction related behavior, oxytocin has been targeted as a novel treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. This has been catapulted by the realization that the acute prosocial effects of some popular recreational drugs most likely involve stimulation of oxytocin systems and that the neural substrates of social bonding and drug reward may be intertwined.

Some drugs of pleasure like MDMA when taken affect the person in a way that he becomes more loving and close to the people around him. He also becomes more naïve as to trust those with him and even to agree with most of their arguments. In preclinical tests these prosocial behaviors have been seen in animal models, for instance in strange pairs of rats meeting for the first time, MDMA markedly reduce aggression and increase a behavior known as adjacent lying; the rats cuddle inhibiting a feeling of love and trust as always the case with human beings under the influence of this drug. MDMA and its metabolites stimulate hypothalamic oxytocin release and after this hormone has been released in high levels then the prosocial feelings are exhibited.

OxytocinMany researchers have now proposed that the reason why many addicts go through drug addiction recovery programs successfully in rehabs may be because of this hormone. The addicts who are majorly summoned to anonymous meetings in the rehabs experience surge in this hormone as they relate to their fellow addicts, this is said to have therapeutic effects as they help resettle dysfunctional oxytocin pathways. In spite of it’s clearly involvement in the prosocial effects of some drugs, it is not clear whether oxytocin itself is rewarding. It is however appropriate to mention that there is still a lot that should be done on this field to avail information on how these past findings can help ease drug addiction treatment.

Finally, Drug abuse, addiction and independence are problems that people grapple with every day. These problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Oxytocin May Reverse Corrosive Effects of Long-Term Drugs Abuse

 

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Drug addiction during Seasons; Celebration Time

Drug addiction during Seasons-Celebrations times

Drug addiction during Seasons

While having fun during holiday seasons remember alcohol and drugs can intrude in your holiday schedule and this can be devastating.

People all over the world have one single common denominator, everywhere you go people of all life status like to have moments of celebrations and spend some time enjoying the plenty life can offer. This undisputed interest however come at a cost and many revelers have open specific accounts to save money to finance this season of celebration which normally comes during Christmas and new year eve. I am in total agreement with everyone that some free time away from the hectic and busy schedules of life is necessary in once life because I am equally doing the same. My purpose of this article will dwell on some of the negative things which do happen during this season. In particular we will be discussing the indulgence of drug abuse when marry making. As indicate holiday season is a time where school going students are out, shopping malls are packed to capacity, entertainment joints entrepreneurs are doing good business because of the increase number of clients visiting their joints. Today the celebration time (Christmas and New Year eve) are around the corner and everyone is looking forward to presents, parties, food and booze. For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and happiness, but for some the holiday brings out a lot of stress.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Stress and celebrations

  • The holiday season triggers both good and bad forms of stress and emotions almost in equal measure.
  • Some people will cope with stress by turning to food. They will indulge in large amounts of food that can result in weight gain and eventually obesity.
  • Stress can also trigger negative behaviors like alcohol consumption and drug use. For sure alcohol and drug use are often exacerbated during the holidays, especially on Christmas and New Year eve.
  • Stress is also one of the leading causes of alcohol and drug relapse.

Much as it is a time of relaxation, the holiday season may be a distraction and overwhelming for individuals who are recently recovering from addiction.  Take for example the transport sector of any nation, rate of automobile accidents, drug overdoses, suicides and violence causing death increases tremendously during the holidays. Nearly all these incidents are connected to alcohol and drug abuse, typically by those who are trying to cope with the holiday stress. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that suicide victims commonly tested positive for alcohol or illicit drugs and about 33% of the suicide victims tested positive for alcohol, 16% tested positive for opiates, 9% tested positive for cocaine and 8% tested positive for marijuana, worrying statistics indeed.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Alcohol the biggest cause of injuries

Of all the substances abused alcohol is the biggest contributor of causes of unintentional injuries, like those resulting from car accidents. It impairs and influences judgment and may place persons at higher risk of getting injured which can even result in death. Studies have also found that alcohol is more harmful than many illegal drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy, GHB and even amphetamines.  According to British Columbia studies in 2005, there were 25,194 alcohol-related injuries and illnesses that resulted in hospitalization, compared with 4,817 related to illicit drug use (Toast the season, 2007). Researchers have found that on New Year’s Eve students drink 10 more alcoholic drinks than non-alcoholic drinks something which is causing the authority great concern.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Illegalities at the entertainment joints

When young people visit social festivities such as those held at bars, parties or nights-clubs they tend to compete for recognition and find themselves falling to peer pressure. For instance the youth often involve in use of date rape drugs. It’s important that young people especially women need to be aware of these drugs. For better understanding a date rape drug is any drug that is used for the purpose of getting someone intoxicated, usually by slipping the drug into the an unsuspecting victim’s drink. When the victim drinks the contaminated drink she loose the vital senses to the point where forced or non-consensual sexual assault can take place more easily or with little resistance. Some of the well-known date rape drugs include rohypnol, GHB and ecstasy. These drugs have no color, taste or smell making the very convenient to their users to drug their unsuspecting victims who will not be able to tell if they are being drugged.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Precautions when drinking

When out celebrating, young people must take extra precautions when they are enjoying drinking in the company of their friends. Precautions will include:

  • Never accept drinks from strangers.
  • Always have you drink open before you.
  • When using drinking glasses never leave your glass or bottle half way when visiting the bathrooms and if you do order for fresh drink and dispose whatever you left halfway.
  • Drink responsively less you intoxicate yourself for your prey to have a field day.
  • Better still do not drink.

Stress is a big impediment to drug free society and our young people are very delicate during the holiday period. Parents and guardians must not exact unnecessary pressures to the youths during the holiday season. Personal issues, family conflicts and financial matters may impact negatively to the health and well-being of an individual and because of these pressures youths tend to turn to drugs and alcohol to let loose and forget their problems. The temptation to go to parties, where alcohol and drugs are frequently offered, is high. When an individual is stressed it is important that they get a healthy amount of rest and sleep and take part in activities that can help decrease stress levels like exercise, yoga, meditation, listening to music or getting a massage.

Finally as I conclude this article, I want to address the young people passionately on what to do when face with the discussed circumstances.

  • Youths should understand that there are fun alternatives to using drugs over the holidays.
  • Instead of resorting to drugs they can use friendly non-alcoholic drinks, such as smoothies or non-alcoholic cocktails.
  • When they are invited to a party they should go with a friend who does not drink.
  • At the party, they should engage in healthy conversation, dancing and enjoying the music.
  • Eating is always a good way to distract the need of having a drink in your hand.
  • Food can also make you full, thereby avoiding the need to drink.
  • Most importantly, if they feel overwhelmed, they should ask for help.
  • They should take the time to connect with other people who are willing to support them positively.

With all these information you will still need professional guidance in the event you are overwhelmed. If this is the case then you need the services of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury who will care for you and together with her team of experts administer treatment to you while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Passing through doctor Akoury will give you an opportunity to get your life back in record time and live it to the fullest.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Celebrations times

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