RESTORING NEUROTRANSMITTERS KEY IN WAR ON DRUGS

July 17, 2015

Restoring Neurotransmitters Key In War On Drugs

The history of the largely popularized terms; War on Drugs is a long one. It began in the 1960’s when scientists still conducted research on the medical value of substances such as; marijuana, psychedelics, opium, and Coca. At the time many of these substances were not illegal. However these substances became symbols of political rebellion, youthful dissent, and other social political upheavals. Most of them therefore top on the list marijuana were banned henceforth. Various American Presidents have made history in the dance, War on Drugs. The most popular one is President Nixon, who declared a war on Drugs in the year 1971. He dramatically placed marijuana on Schedule One, the most deterring category of the addictive substances. Since then the battle against drug use has undergone through several twists and turns till to-date. However the most important and yet challenging bit of it is rehabilitation of the victims, or better their say recovery.

Restoring Neurotransmitters, New Approach to War on Drugs

It is highly unlikely doing the same thing every day will yield different results. For a long time detoxification has been used to treat addiction. This is the introduction of cleaning agents in a patient’s blood, to wipe off addictive substances. In many occasions however, the victims have fallen right back into addiction and the process started a whole new. Or aren’t there people who have spent so much time in Rehab facilities with no improvement?

Well time is ripe for a different approach to the war on drugs. There are scientific breakthroughs to that effect. One such was the astonishing revelation of neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to recover from loss of memory or to maintaining normal functioning after incidents of accidents or other activities that might lead to an injury or damage of neurons. Adoption of neuroplasticity in rehabilitative treatment has been a great step in the war on drugs. For more information about it click on http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. However today we shall discuss a different scientific breakthrough more like neuroplasticity, restoring neurotransmitters.

War On Drugs

Supporting Research on Neurotransmitters and War on Addiction

In a common medical study often alluded to, there were animals placed in a cage for some time and their behavior observed. The animals were provided a bowl of water, and another containing alcohol. The animals had a choice between the two. It was observed they chose different bowls depending on their health at each given time. Most of the time they were denied food, nutrients for that matter, they would drink from the alcohol containing bowl. Other times they were provided proper nutrition and they would drink from the water containing bowl. Continued provision of good food saw them drink the water and avoid the alcohol. Soon they never took in alcohol. At another, yet a commonly cited study, addicts underwent traditional rehabilitation methods of detoxification and were keenly observed for a period ten years, after which only about 5% managed to completely, abstain.

Proper Nutrition Key in War on Drugs

These study observations led scientists to a world of possibilities. Proper nutrition greatly assists in restoring neurotransmitters, which in turn helps in recovery. What then are neurotransmitters? They are chemical messengers’ neurons use in communication. They enable the nerve cells send and or receive electro-chemical signals within the brain and with other parts and organ systems of the body. They are therefore very well capable to regulate all functions of the body including: movements, sleep, wake, emotions, hearing, feelings of touch, response, and mental processes; cognitive thought.

The role of neurotransmitters therefore is underscored very important. Deficiencies are not good for our health, certainly not for those in rehabilitation. Addiction is a major neurotransmitter imbalance. It is an advanced symptom of neurotransmitter deficiency. The symptoms include the following: alcoholism, caffeine, sugar, sex, gambling, carbohydrate, nicotine, tobacco and marijuana addictions. Types of neurotransmitters include: serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, acetylcholine, and glutamate. Too little or too much of any or all of these is not good for recovery. Improper diets, environmental toxins, chronic stress, candida overgrowth, and genetic inheritance are top among causes of disparity.

War On Drugs

Neurotransmitter Restoration Prime in War on Drugs

Restoring neurotransmitters therefore is as important a recovery exercise in the war on drugs as are the other therapeutic methods. The following are simple ways of restoring neurotransmitters:

Identify nutritional deficiencies. Neurotransmitters are majorly created through amino acid assimilation. There is need therefore to take in more protein containing foods with less of complex carbohydrates. Caution however has to be taken against foods containing fat and cholesterols as they are health hazards in other ways. Click on awaremednetwork.com for any further information on nutrition.
Learn stress management skills. For the record take a walk in the sun, enjoy a beautiful view of the landscape, the horizon, take in deep breathes, listen to music, and accept the present.
Exercising is another great way of restoring Enough exercise in itself leads to the production of endorphins, which as earlier stated are neurotransmitters. Exercising also aids in proper digestion of foods and creation and assimilations of in this case, amino acids.
Maintain a balanced hormonal level in the body. Neurotransmitters work hand in hand with body hormones, glands and enzyme secretions. You may have to discuss this with your physicians. They might recommend a number of DO’s and DONTs that you will observe in order to restore your transmitters.
And yes, actively start controlling use of addictive substances. Other than the known hard drugs, you should be able to reduce use of sugars, caffeine, and chocolate among others. Also reduce environmental toxins around your home or place of work.

Once again click on http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com for more information on these and the August Integrative Addiction Medicine Conference, by the way, you should sign up for that. You will also get to know a whole list of experts lined up for the event. One of those is Dr. Dalal Akoury of Integrative Addiction Institute and the founder of International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians.

RESTORING NEUROTRANSMITTERS KEY IN WAR AGAINST DRUGS

Supplements That Replenish Dopamine and Serotonin Levels

January 18, 2015

Supplements That Can Rebuild and Replenish Depleted Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Addiction

Supplements The benefits of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine can never be underestimated. In the previous articles we explored their specific functions and therefore repeating them here will be scratching your ears. However I would like to remind you that the use of opiates has a negative effect on these neurotransmitters and after a person has been using opiates it is important that he find ways to restore the levels of these neurotransmitters failure to which he will suffer undesired consequences related to opiate withdrawal.

Here are some supplements that can be used to restore dopamine and serotonin levels after opiate use

L-Tyrosine– The conditionally essential amino acid tyrosine is a precursor of catecholamine neurotransmitter, dopamine included. L-Tyrosine is available in the foods we eat such as egg, meat and fish. It can also be synthesized in the body. Tyrosine forms DOPA, which is then converted to dopamine, and this, in turn, forms norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter related to mood. By supporting production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, L-tyrosine supplements can enhance mood, sleep, emotional well-being, and mental function, especially under situations involving environmental and emotional stress or when dopamine levels require additional support in most cases after long periods of opiate use resulting in depleted dopamine. As for some people they are born with low levels of dopamine and hence a genetically inherited problem but just like people with depleted dopamine and serotonin from opiates use, they can also eat foods rich L-tyrosine.

Mucuna pruriens– commonly known as velvet bean, murina naturally contains up to 5% L-Dopa often referred to as levodopa. Lovedopa is the same biochemical that is made in humans from the amino acid L-tyrosine and is then synthesized into dopamine. When it is taken as a supplement, the L-DOPA from Mucuna can cross the blood-brain barrier to elevate brain dopamine levels. The Indian traditional medicine champions the use of powdered mucuna seeds in treatment of myriad illnesses including the Parkinson’s disease. Recently, studies utilizing Mucuna supplements have shown promising results not just for Parkinson’s but for other conditions related to dopamine deficiency, including depression and psychological stress. Mucuna extract has been shown to increase not only dopamine concentrations, but also other neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine too. Look for an extract of Mucuna pruriens standardized to contain 15% L-DOPA. Take 300 mg twice a day and you will be amazed at how effective this extract can be.

L-theanine- L-theanine is an amino acid uniquely found in green tea that creates an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine is known to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase dopamine levels in the brain. In animal studies it has been shown that L-theanine also increases brain serotonin and GABA. L-theanine has anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects. It reduces mental and physical stress, and leads to improvements in learning and memory in humans and animals. Even just a single, small dose of L-theanine (100 mg) significantly improves the ability to pay attention and maintain focus compared to placebo. Take 200 mg of L-theanine 2-3 times daily.

Rhodiola– Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root is a popular plant in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia, with good reviews for improving depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue and treating symptoms resulting from intense physical and psychological stress. It exerts its benefits via multiple effects on the central nervous system, including enhancing the stability of dopamine and supporting its reuptake. This leads to notable decreases in depression, anxiety, and fatigue, as well as an increased ability to handle stress. In human studies, rhodiola has been shown to significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and stress-related fatigue compared to placebo. Basing hope in past research findings you are encouraged to find its extract and use it daily to end your troubles with opiate withdrawal effects. For the standardized supplement just use 170mg per day.

Multivitamin- some minerals and B-vitamins are known for their effects on the neurotransmitters. These includes; Zink, folate, Vitamin B6. These are very necessary for dopamine synthesis and neurotransmission. These nutrients are often depleted in individuals due to medications, inadequate diets, excessive stress, and toxic environmental exposures, compromising the ability to properly synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine. Therefore there is need to supplement these nutrients especially with high-potency, high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplements. This will help in enhancing neurotransmitter function and playing a complementary role in supporting emotional wellness that is required for a recovering addict.

Despite the benefits of having a high level of dopamine, too much of it is dangerous and needs to be avoided. You therefore need to work with the supplements strictly as instructed to avoid any problem that may arise in case of overdose. It is also advisable that you desist from getting and using these supplements without the help of a doctor specialized in the area. For better outcome you should seek the services of an experienced integrative doctor as they are more versed in this kind of treatment. You should not use different supplements at a time without consulting your integrative doctor as some supplements may react and therefore bear even more grave consequences.

Drug addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We offer NER Treatment and Amino acid therapy that are the most effective approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. You call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.