Dopamine effects and addiction

June 22, 2017

Dopamine effects and addiction are very active in the brain malfunctions

Dopamine effects and addiction: The brain

Dopamine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that when it finds its way to its receptor sites, it blocks the tendency of that neuron to fire. We have noted that it’s associated with reward mechanisms in the brain. That aside, speaking to doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed health center, new research on the brain is showing that addiction is a matter of memories, and recovery is a slow process in which the influence of those memories is diminished. That notwithstanding, further studies have also shown that addictive drugs stimulate a reward circuit in the brain. The circuit provides incentives for action by registering the value of important experiences. Rewarding experiences trigger the release of the brain chemical dopamine effects, telling the brain “do it again.” What makes permanent recovery difficult is the drug-induced change that creates lasting memories linking the drug to a pleasurable reward.

Dopamine effects and addiction: Brain circuits

Addiction involves many of the same brain circuits that govern learning and memory. Long-term memories are formed by the activity of brain substances called transcription factors. All perceived rewards, including drugs, increase the concentration of transcription factors. So repeatedly taking drugs can change the brain cells and make the memory of the pleasurable effects very strong. Even after transcription factor levels return to normal, addicts may remain hypersensitive to the drug and the cues that predict its presence. This can heighten the risk of relapse in addicts long after they stop taking the drug.

Knowing more about how addiction works in the brain has not yet given us any effective new treatments, but it has suggested new possibilities while providing a better understanding of how the available treatments work. The hardest job will be finding substances that lower the risk of addiction but do not interfere with responses to natural rewards. So far there is little evidence that any one type of therapy works better for addiction than another.

Dopamine effects and addiction: Brain Chemistry

It has been demonstrated times and again that drug addiction is a powerful force that can take control of the lives of users. In the past, addiction was thought to be a weakness of character or just misbehavior, but in recent decades research has increasingly found that addiction to drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine is a matter of brain chemistry.

Experts at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, says that the way a brain becomes addicted to a drug is related to how a drug increases levels of the naturally-occurring neurotransmitter dopamine, which modulates the brain’s ability to perceive reward reinforcement. The pleasure sensation that the brain gets when dopamine levels are elevated creates the motivation for us to proactively perform actions that are indispensable to our survival for example eating or procreation. Dopamine is what conditions us to do the things we need to do. Having understood the power of addiction and what it can do to your health, it would be unwise to let drugs bring you down because of ignorance. Doctor Dalal Akoury founded this facility to help you have your life back and live it to the fullest. Waste no time and schedule an appointment with today for the commencement of your recovery process.

Dopamine effects and addiction: The brain

Drug addiction instigation

June 22, 2017

Drug addiction instigation will always be there but how you address them will matter a lot in escalating or terminating the problem

Drug addiction instigation: Common Signs and Symptoms

In most cases, drug addiction instigation is irregular and gradual with the casual or social use of a drug. For some people, using the drug becomes a habit, and its use becomes more and more frequent. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it becomes increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Stopping may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill what we call withdrawal symptoms. And speaking to doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed Health Center, the following are some of the drug addiction symptoms or behaviors:

Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly this can be daily or even several times a day
Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems
Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

Drug addiction instigation: Identifying drug addiction in teenagers

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness from signs of drug use. This kind of knowledge is very important for all parents and guardians as it will help them make timely informed decisions in caring for their children. And as experts from AWAREmed health center we want to share with you some possible indications that your teenager is may be using drugs:

Problems at school – Frequently missing classes or missing school, a sudden disinterest in school or school activities, or a drop in grades may be indicators of drug use.

Physical health issues – Lack of energy and motivation may indicate your child is using certain drugs.

Neglected appearance – Teenagers are generally concerned about how they look. A lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use.

Changes in behavior – Teenagers enjoy privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering their rooms or knowing where they go with their friends might indicate drug use. Also, drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends may be linked to drug use.

Spending money – Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign of drug use. You may also discover money stolen from previously safe places at home. Items may disappear from your home because they’re being sold to support a drug habit.

Finally, the above list may not be conclusive, however, if you happen to sport any of them, it could be a serious indicator of emerging substance abuse. Remember that early treatment would help you and your teens prevent serious health complications. And that is why doctor Akoury made a decision of creating a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. You can reach her on telephone number 843 213 1480 for any concerns you may have in all matters relating to substance abuse.

Drug addiction instigation: Common Signs and Symptoms

Blood alcohol contents irregularities

June 22, 2017

Blood alcohol contents irregularities in the body is very dangerous in many ways

Blood alcohol contents irregularities: Alcohol affects people differently

Did you know that alcohol consumption is now a global catastrophe affecting people in discriminatively? If this concerns you, join us as an expert from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury MD in a journey of finding out how alcohol affects people differently in the current societies. Like for instance, if a woman and a man of the same weight drink the same amount of alcohol under the exact same circumstances, the woman will on average have a higher Blood Alcohol Contents (BAC) than the man. This is because women have much less of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase in their stomachs than men do. If the same man and woman are given an injection of alcohol instead of drinking it they will tend to have the same BAC. This is because when the alcohol is injected it bypasses the alcohol dehydrogenase in the stomach.

Older Males – As men age they tend to produce less alcohol dehydrogenase and are likely to become more intoxicated on smaller amounts of alcohol than younger men. Ironically alcohol dehydrogenase in women is not affected by age.

Menopausal Women – Apparently hormone changes which occur at menopause can cause menopausal women to become more intoxicated on smaller doses of alcohol.

People with Liver Damage – People with liver damage produce less alcohol dehydrogenase than do those with healthy livers and thus can become more intoxicated on smaller doses of alcohol a phenomenon referred to as Reverse Tolerance.

Frequent Heavy Drinkers – produce more alcohol dehydrogenase than other people thus become less intoxicated on larger quantities of alcohol. These people can metabolize up to 38 ml of alcohol per hour whereas the average person metabolizes only around 13 ml per hour.

Blood alcohol contents irregularities: How ant-abuse works

Ant-abuse is the drug that makes people sick if they drink alcohol. The drug ant-abuse binds to the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and prevents it from breaking down the acetaldehyde produced by the metabolism of alcohol. Since acetaldehyde is a poison, as it builds up it produces very unpleasant symptoms including facial flushing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations and other extreme physical unpleasantness. Large quantities of alcohol mixed with ant-abuse can lead to death.

Finally, the surface area of the human stomach is only a couple of square feet, but because the small intestine has protrusions called villi, the surface area of the small intestine is thousands and thousands of square feet. Because of this fact, the small intestine is many times more efficient than the stomach at absorbing alcohol. If you want the alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly so that your BAC will only rise slowly, your best bet is to keep the alcohol in the stomach for as long as possible. This can be done. There is a valve between the stomach and the small intestine called the pyloric valve when it’s closed, alcohol will stay in the stomach. This valve stays closed when the stomach is full of food and that is why eating a full meal helps keep you from becoming rapidly intoxicated. And for more information on blood alcohol content irregularities, you can always call on doctor Akoury for help.

Blood alcohol contents irregularities: Alcohol affects people differently

Drug dependence signs and Symptoms

June 22, 2017

Drug dependence Signs and Symptoms is universal and include the prescription drugs too

Drug dependence Signs and Symptoms: Drug addiction commencement

The particular signs and symptoms of drug use and dependence vary depending on the type of drug. You might be able to tell that a family member or a friend is struggling with some of the drug dependence signs and symptoms quite easily based on the physical and behavioral signs associated with the drug. We spoke to Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed health center over this and it was very evident that the link is in the type of drug in question, like for instance:

Drug dependence Signs and Symptoms: Marijuana and hashish

It’s possible to develop a psychological addiction to cannabis compounds including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana and hashish. People who have a marijuana addiction generally use the drug on a daily basis. They don’t actually have a chemical dependence on the drug but rather feel the need to regularly use the drug. According to the expert opinion, doctor Akoury reiterates that this is a disaster in waiting and if nothing is done in good time, the patient could pay the ultimate price. But before we get there, it can be very sad if we allow things to get there. The starting point, in this case, would be overcoming any resistance of seeking for treatment like denial and fear of withdrawal symptoms.

Once this is dealt with, only then can we approach treatment meaningfully. And before we get there, it may interest you to note that, professionalism is very key in addressing matters relating to substance abuse. And for your situation, we are privileged to have with us doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction professional, besides being an expert in the area of Healthy Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine. She (Dr. Akoury) also specializes in advanced bio-identical hormone replacement and nutritional therapies. And currently, she is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the fellowship program in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, Functional and Metabolic Medicine. With over two decades of experience, your condition will be addressed professionally to the advantage of all your loved ones. As you consider making that very important phone call for an appointment, the following are some of the signs of use and dependence on drugs:

A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
Poor memory
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Red eyes
Decreased coordination
Difficulty concentrating
Increased appetite
Slowed reaction time
Paranoid thinking

Drug dependence Signs and Symptoms: Barbiturates and benzodiazepines

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are prescription central nervous system depressants. Phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal) are examples of barbiturates. Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). If you’re prescribed these drugs, take them exactly as ordered. If you feel your need for these medications is increasing, talk to your doctor about it including the signs of use and dependence listed below:

Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Memory problems
Confusion
Slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure
Dizziness
Depression

Drug dependence Signs and Symptoms: Drug addiction commencement

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis

June 22, 2017

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis are very instrumental in solving the drug addiction problem

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis: Ending alcohol abuse using alternative treatment

The door to biochemistry addictiveness opens when either the hypothalamus or one of the organs which serve the hypothalamus in accomplishing this job is injured, or if the nutrients required are not available. In any one of these conditions, the entire system will fall off the “point zero” (homeostasis) that the HPA system tries to maintain opening the door for addictive biochemistry. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health Center under the leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, we can’t change the fact that addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism are associated with overexpression of the sympathetic nervous system; low serotonin, GABA, dopamine, endorphins and enkephalins and it is in the hypothalamus where the delicate job of balancing this network of hormones and neurotransmitters to achieve physical and mental health is supposed to be done whether it be directly from the hypothalamus or via the pituitary and adrenals under the control of the hypothalamus.

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis: Differences between biochemistry and alcoholism

The only difference between addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism is that addictive biochemistry becomes aggravated, meaning that the deficient condition within the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenals is made more profound by the damaging effects of alcohol toxicity and the medicating effects which, while drinking, overexpress serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine which magnifies the negative impact of an already up-regulated brain chemistry. The symptoms the problem drinker experiences intensify in direct relationship to the diminishing health of the neuroendocrine system which further encourages the person to drink more thus causing further damages. This cycle progressively intensifies until intervention which discontinues and heals the damage is required to stop it.

The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus and is directly connected to it via nerve and circulatory pathways. The hypothalamus regulates the function of the pituitary gland which in turn controls hormonal secretions of all other glands; however, specific to alcoholism we are concerned with the function of the adrenals and the secretion of cortisol which is under control of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophin) secreted by the pituitary, and epinephrine and norepinephrine which is also released by the adrenals due to a rise in CRH and/or signals from the sympathetic nervous system. In the case of cortisol release, when the hypothalamus registers low blood sugar it will send CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormone) to the pituitary which then releases ACTH which will cause cortisol to be secreted from the adrenals. This chain of events will also cause the release of epinephrine and to a lesser degree norepinephrine. Prolonged increased levels of epinephrine will block insulin receptors which lead to insulin resistance and lowered serotonin, endorphin, enkephalin and GABA levels which impair HPA functions and increases compulsive/addictive behavior.

The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys and are directly controlled by the pituitary gland. The adrenals are comprised of two sections; one is the medulla which is the inner core and the second is the adrenal cortex which is the outer layer. The medulla relates to the sympathetic nervous system and produces the catecholamine’s epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex produces sex hormones, aldosterone, and what we’re most concerned with cortisol.

Although it is hard to imagine because they are docked on our kidneys, adrenal health is fundamental to our mental health. Proper levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are crucial to our mental well-being so the concentrated focus needs to be applied to their health when healing addictive biochemistry and alcoholism. As you consider breaking way from addictive biochemistry and alcoholism, you can always consult with doctor Dalal Akoury an expert in this discipline for over two decades and has been helping many get their life back globally by emphasizing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

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