Category Archives: GABA

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Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking

May 13, 2017
Mesolimbic pathways

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking. We’ve got to clean our mind from all intoxication of drug addiction

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking: Drug cravings to the brain

From our basic understanding of the purpose and functioning of the brain’s reward system in the previous postings, we can interrogate it a little bit further in several ways. The circuit most associated with pleasure and reward is the mesolimbic pathways which are located in the brainstem. The objective of this area of the brain is primarily concerned with basic survival. Within the mesolimbic pathways is an area called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The VTA projects to the nucleus accumbens (thought to be the reward center). The neurotransmitter most commonly linked with the mesolimbic system is dopamine. Many people consider dopamine to be the driving force behind the human pursuit of pleasure. The release of dopamine is a pleasurable sensation. The release of dopamine motivates us to repeat behaviors or activities that prompted this release. This system’s purpose was to promote survival by rewarding life-sustaining behaviors such eating and procreation.

All addictive drugs and activities release varying amounts of dopamine into the nucleus accumbens with stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine releasing the most. However, when it comes to drugs like alcohol or heroin, the brain’s own opiate system (endorphins) also gets involved. Doctor Akoury further says that even though different forms of addictions have different effects in the nucleus accumbens, they share one common denominator that they all activate the reward system which in turn motivates us to repeat those behaviors, even though they may be harmful. Besides what we have discussed about the concepts of reward, pleasure, and craving together, it is however very important to appreciate that there is a distinction between pleasure-seeking and drug seeking. Note that pleasure-seeking is all about the pleasurable, rewarding aspect of addiction while drug-seeking refer to the craving aspect of addiction. Dopamine may be more involved in drug-seeking (craving) component of addiction. The opiate (endorphin), GABA, or glutamatergic systems may be more involved in a pleasure-seeking aspect of addiction too.

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking: Keeping the brain free from all attacks

Pleasure-seeking and drug-seeking (cravings) are interrelated, yet distinct. Research has established that natural rewards (food, water, sex) typically lessen their influence on the reward system over time. As a behavior occurs more often, dopamine levels tend to decrease in the process. Psychologists call this habituation. This makes sense. Once you’ve eaten enough food, you don’t need to be rewarded for eating more food. Then you would be eating too much, or too much of one type of food. Therefore everyone needs to take heed of keeping the brain free from all attacks be it from substances or otherwise. Talking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury should be your starting point. Call and make that appointment today for the commencement of your journey to full recovery from your addiction.

Mesolimbic pathways and drug seeking: Drug cravings to the brain

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Behavioral Addiction and Brain Function

Neurons signals and addiction

May 13, 2017
Neurons signals

Neurons signals and addiction. In fact, neurons are the primary communication unit of the brain and must not be contaminated with drugs

Neurons signals and addiction: The brain chemistry

The neuron is the primary unit of communication within the brain. A single neuron is extremely tiny. Experts are estimating that there are over 100 billion neurons in the human brain. With that, you can imagine just how complex and distinct your brain is from the person next to you. And because good communication is of two ways where we both listen (receive information) and at the same time we also speak (send information). The same is applicable to the brain’s communication system with the neurons having the ability to both send and receive communication signals. The dendrite is the portion of neuron signals that typically receives information (listens) while the axon is a portion of the neuron signals that sends out information (speaks).

Neurons signals and addiction: Neurotransmitters

When humans communicate with each other, we typically use words and gestures. The different parts of the brain communicate with each other using electrical signals. Neurons use electrical pulses to send their communication signals. These electrical impulses are called action potentials. When neuron fire, the action potential travels down the neuron’s axon where it ends. At the end of the axon is the axon terminal or pre-synapse. In this area, special chemical messengers called neurotransmitters and neuromodulators lay in wait. These are stored in specialized capsules called vesicles. The action potential causes the release of these chemical messengers into an open space between one neuron’s axon and the next neurons’ dendrites. This open space is the synaptic cleft. At the other side of the synaptic cleft is the post-synapse that is formed by the dendrites of connecting neurons. In the post-synapse, there are special receptors that receive the neurotransmitters.

Receptors and neurotransmitters function in a way that is similar to a keyhole and key. Receptors are like keyholes and neurotransmitters are like the keys. When neurotransmitters fit into the receptors it is called binding. Once a neurotransmitter is bound to a receptor, the key turns the lock. Once the lock opens, it communicates with the receiving neuron’s dendrites. In the post-synapse, there may be many different receptors (many different shaped keyholes). However, a particular neurotransmitter may be able to fit into (bind to) several different receptors types. This is similar to the way a single key can open several different locks. The particular receptor type determines the type of signal that is transmitted. Thus, the receptor type is often more critical to the communication than the particular neurotransmitter.

It may be easiest to visualize this communication as a single chain of events: First, a neuron sends an electrical impulse (action potential) down the axon. Next, the electrical impulse causes chemicals (neurotransmitters and neuromodulators) to be released into space between two neurons. Then these chemicals can signal the next neuron to send an electrical impulse and so on. This electrochemical process forms the brain’s communication system. In conclusion, it is evident that the functions of the brain in communication are very sensitive and any alteration caused by drugs addiction can have far-reaching effects. Therefore before we get there, we must do all it takes to prevent or correct as soon as it is necessary. For this reason, it will be prudent that you schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD a veteran addiction expert who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for the commencement of your addiction recovery process.

Neurons signals and addiction: The brain chemistry

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Discouraging stress for health

May 5, 2017
Discouraging stress

Discouraging stress for health will give you the freedom you need

Discouraging stress for health: Stress risk and anxiety

It is only by discouraging stress from our daily lives that we can begin to say that we are moving towards the right direction of living a healthy life. The effects of addictions stress risk, depression, and anxiety in relation to substance abuse and we were able to look at certain health conditions including, cancer, heart diseases, stroke and the effect of these problems on immunity. From the various studies conducted so far, it has been established that stress is a very long bridge that connects the body to various illnesses. Without leaving any stone unturned, we want to progress on that discussion sighting the dangers of stress and anxiety in addition. Our focus is going to be on the following health conditions:

  • Gastrointestinal Problems
  • Eating and Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Pain
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunction
  • Memory, Concentration, and Learning

These are not conditions that anyone would wish to associate with more so when the individual is also struggling with drug addiction of any level. I know that a lot is being done to salvage the situation and the prevalence of addiction, but even as those efforts are being made, what are your individual contribution to those efforts? If you put substance abuse aside for a while you realize that these listed health conditions are not friendly to humanity yet they are much more resonated by stress, depression, anxiety and drug addiction. On our part as professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, we are working with like-minded people in this fight against the scourge of addiction. We would wish that if we are to win this fight, then we all need to pool together and join forces to deliver the much-needed victory to ourselves, families and the society. Therefore if you are struggling with any of the conditions named, you may want to start the journey by scheduling an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery.

Addictions stress risk and anxiety: Gastrointestinal problem

The brain and intestines are closely related and are controlled by many of the same hormones and parts of the nervous system. Indeed, some research suggests that the gut itself has features of a primitive brain. It is not surprising then that prolonged stress can disrupt the digestive system, irritating the large intestine and causing diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and bloating. Excessive production of digestive acids in the stomach may cause a painful burning.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Irritable bowel syndrome (or spastic colon) is strongly related to stress. With this condition, the large intestine becomes irritated, and its muscular contractions are spastic rather than smooth and wave-like. The abdomen is bloated, and the patient experiences cramping and alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea. Sleep disturbances due to stress can make irritable bowel syndrome even worse.

Peptic Ulcers – It is now well established that most peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori bacteria or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen). Nevertheless, studies still suggest that stress may predispose a person with H. pylori to ulcers.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Although stress is not a cause of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), there are reports of an association between stress and symptom flare-ups.

Addictions stress risk and anxiety: Discouraging the association of stress and addiction

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Brain activities network flows

April 11, 2017
Brain activities network

Brain activities network flows uninterrupted only when substances of abuse are kept at bay

Brain activities network flows: How drugs affect the brain?

Drugs and misuse of alcohol are the two primary reasons why many mental health problems are being seen today in the lives of young people. Because of that, it is important that we appreciate the brain activities network flows. Alcohol and drug abuse impacts on the brains health badly. Being a complex communication network of numerous neurons also known as nerve cells, doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert explains that, in just a minute, the neurons can pass tonnes and tonnes of communication within the brain. Spinal column and the nerves. That is to say, the nerve network coordinates everything in the body system. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is an addiction treatment facility established by doctor Dalal Akoury, for us to understand brain communication network flows well, understanding the functions of these networks is very essential. Like for instance:

Brain activities network flows: Neurons

It will interest you to note that the human brain contains not less than100 billion neurons nerve cells working continuously remitting and receiving message signals. The flow is in a way that within a neuron, communications flows from the cell body down the axon through the axon terminal in the form of electrical impulses. The information is then sent to other neurons with the help of neurotransmitters. This flow needs the brain to be in good health without any impurities inform of drugs says doctor Akoury. As we progress into the discussion, drugs kill the brain and therefore, if you or anyone you know is struggling with drug addiction, your brain communication network flows will be ineffective and action needs to be taken immediately. You can talk to doctor Akoury today on telephone number 843 213 1480 for further direction.

Neurotransmitters
These are the brain chemical envoys or messengers that enables information to move from one neuron to another by creating chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters. From this point the axon terminal releases neurotransmitters that travel across the space also known as the synapse to nearby neurons. Then the transmitter attaches to receptors on the nearby neuron.

Receptors

These are brains chemical recipients/receivers whereby when the neurotransmitter approaches the nearby neuron, it attaches it to a special site on that neuron known as a receptor. For clarity, a neurotransmitter and its receptor functions the same way a key and lock operates. That is to say, a very specific mechanism makes sure that each receptor will forward the right message only after interacting with the right kind of neurotransmitter.

Transporters

The moment the neurotransmitters do their job, they are pulled back into their original neuron by transporters. This recycling process shuts off the signal between the neurons.

Finally, four networks are very essential in the proper functionality of the brain. Any attack on their well-being by way of alcohol and drug abuse immediately disrupts the brain communication network flows. You can make a decision now to keep a healthy brain by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury for the commencement of your recovery process today.

Brain activities network flows: How drugs affect the brain?

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Involving family in weight lose

Understanding childhood obesity

March 23, 2017
Understanding childhood obesity

Understanding childhood obesity is a must win if we are to inspire our children into healthy feeding

Understanding childhood obesity: Accumulating too much fat in the body

The many threats in life today is pushing everyone to be attentive in understanding childhood obesity and overweight. Because of the prevalence of obesity and overweight particularly in children, we cannot afford to overlook this disturbing condition. Research tells us a about how parents can fight the obesity epidemic for the good health of their children and even for themselves. But the question is, are we doing enough to bring this escalating problem to a manageable level? Let me be very specific, are you doing anything to bring the problem of obesity and overweight in children to manageable levels? As you ponder about that I want to bring to your attention that irrespective of what you are doing, AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care is doing something and are changing lives of people globally in regard to this problem. We don’t want you to be left out and so as we get into the discussion, I want to request you to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury if you or your child is struggling with obesity.

The simplest understanding of what obesity is would means having too much body fat. A child is obese if their weight is more than 20% higher than the ideal weight for a boy or girl of their age and height. These excess fats are the problem and the sooner we deal with them the better not just for us but for the generations to come. If we can pool together, then we will be we will bring up generations free of obesity and overweight. To help us do this, let us find some answers to these questions as we progress.

Understanding childhood obesity: How common is obesity today?

The available statistics is worrying not just in the US but globally. However using the US as an example research indicates that in the years 1980-2000, the rate of obesity and overweight has more than double particularly in children and teens. It is no wonder that the problem is being considered an epidemic. Today figures have changed on the upward trend with about 17.1% of our children and teen being either obese or overweight. With this trend we must stop asking how common but join in the fight of the epidemic for a better tomorrow.

Understanding childhood obesity: Concerns about obesity in general

Just like in the adults being obese increases a child’s risk for some serious and chronic childhood medical problems associated with overweight. Such conditions may include:

  • Pre-diabetes and diabetes
  • Heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Hyperlipidemia (too much cholesterol in the blood, which can clog the arteries)
  • Sleep apnea and breathing problems
  • Bone conditions, such as hip problems
  • Gastro-intestinal diseases
  • Early puberty
  • Psychological problems, like poor self-esteem and depression

Finally, if this is not addressed at its initial stage, then these children are at greater risk of becoming obese adults and inheriting all the health problems associated with obesity lasting through the lifespan. These obesity-associated health problems include high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, gout, pulmonary problems, gall bladder disease, liver disease, psychosocial problems, reproductive problems, and some types of cancer.

Understanding childhood obesity: Accumulating too much fat in the body

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