The Addicted Brain

June 1, 2014

The addicted brain-How Drugs Affect the whole system

Your brain is all you need to be of sound mind protecting it from drug addiction is a step in the right direction

Generally drug addiction and all kind of addiction for that matter have been consistent problems for a long time. It is so because of its lasting effect in the brain functions which are not easy to correct. Take for example in the US where the scourge is prevalent how many brains are addicted to drugs, statistics has it that about 2 million are heroin and cocaine addicts, 15 million alcoholics and several millions are cigarette smokers. Several decades ago this was a disaster because little was known about addiction but today a lot has been established and that knowledge is beginning to influence addiction treatment and prevention. This therefore brings us to the question why opium?

The addicted brain-Why does the brain prefer opium to broccoli

This is very interesting and the answer involves the nucleus accumbens a group of nerve cells located under the cerebral hemispheres. When one execute an action which satisfactorily fulfills ones desire the neurotransmitter dopamine is released into the nucleus accumbens and produces pleasure. This communicates that the action facilitates survival or reproduction, directly or indirectly. This system is refferd to us the reward pathway. Undertaking an activity which provides this reward enables the brain to register the experience and we are likely to repeat the same thing again. The damage to the nucleus accumbens and drugs that block dopamine release in the region make everything less rewarding. Naturally rewards usually come only with an effort and after some interruptions and addictive drugs normally provide a shortcut each in its own way sets in motion a biological process which result in flooding the nucleus accumbens with dopamine. The pleasure is not helping the existence or reproduction and evolution has not provided our brains with an easy way to withstand the onslaught. If one becomes addicted through consistent use of a given drug, then the overwhelmed receptor cells will call for a shutdown reducing the natural capacity to produce dopamine in the reward system. This will make the brain to lose its access to other less immediate powerful sources of rewards. This may require the addicts to constantly use higher doses and quicker passage into the brain. This is seen as though the machinery of motivation is not functioning anymore and so they want to use the drug even when it has ceased giving pleasure to them.

The addicted brain-Compelling memories

The change in the reward system alone does not necessarily denote the persistence of addiction as many addiction victims may admit that stopping may be easy because they have probably done it often. They (the addicts) go through long periods without taking the drug, but they risk relapse even after years of abstinence, when the dopamine reward circuit has had plenty of time to recuperate. They are victims of conditioned learning, which creates habitual responses. Drug-induced changes in the links between brain cells establish associations between the drug experience and the circumstances in which it occurred. These implied memories can be recovered when addicts are subjected to any reminder of those circumstances like moods, situations, people, places, or the substance itself. For example heroin addict may be in danger of relapse when they see a hypodermic needle, an alcoholic when they walk pass a bar where they used to drink or when they meet a former drinking companion. Most addicts may restart the habit on falling into a mood in which they used to turn to the drug. It must be noted that a single small dose of the drug itself can be one of the most powerful reminders.

The addicted brain-Stress

Internal or external stress is another cause of relapse. The nucleus accumbens will direct signals to the amygdala and hippocampus, which record and amalgamate memories that evoke strong feelings. When you asked the addicts why they relapse they are likely to make references as “my job was not going well,” or even, “The traffic was frustratingly so heavy that day.” These responses can only suggest that they are hypersensitive to stress, either congenitally or as a result of past addiction. Stages of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), the brain chemical that regulates the stress hormone system, often rise in addicts just before a relapse, while the amygdala becomes more active. Findings from the resent research established that addiction involves many of the same brain pathways that govern learning and memory. Addictions can changer the strength of connections at the synapses (junctions) of nerve cells, especially those that use the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Underlying these changes are drug-induced activation and suppression of genes within nerve cells, another process scientists are beginning to explore.

The addicted brain-Why we are not all addicted

The reward system may be more vulnerable, responses to stress more intense, or the formation of addictive habits quicker in some people, especially those suffering from depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, and those with disorders like antisocial and borderline personality. It has been established that almost 50% of individual disparities in susceptibility to addiction is hereditary and according to a recent report, one gene variant diminishes the quantity of dopamine release caused by cocaine in human beings a genetic defense against at least one type of addiction. Individuals also differ in their ability to workout judgment and inhibit impulses. The brain’s prefrontal cortex aids to establish the adaptive value of pleasure recorded by the nucleus accumbens and checks the urge to take the drug when it would be unwise. If the prefrontal cortex is not working correctly, an addictive drug has more power to dominate the reward circuit. Research shows that the prefrontal cortex is not completely established in adolescence, which could elucidate why we often develop addictions at that stage of life. In other words if one does not indulge in smoking before age 21that person is likely not to become addicted to nicotine

The addicted brain-Implications for prevention and treatment

Although findings on the addicted brain are suggesting new approaches to treatment, progress has been limited so far. Researchers have tested dopamine receptor antagonists, drugs that bind to receptors for dopamine and prevent addictive drugs from acting. But these substances usually have too many side effects because they also interfere with the motivation for natural and adaptive rewards. One way to avoid side effects is to disrupt the mechanisms by which individual drugs start the process that culminates in dopamine release; for example, the opiate antagonist naltrexone is now used to treat both heroin addicts and alcoholics. The biggest problem is preventing relapse. Neutralizing the pleasurable effect of the drug is not enough because reminders of the drug experience perpetuate the longing and cause addicts to stop taking the counteracting medication. Glutamate has been the main target of research on relapse prevention. In one experiment, formerly addicted rats returned to using cocaine when their hippocampi the brain region where memories of the drug experience are likely stored were electrically stimulated. A drug that blocked glutamate activity prevented this re-addiction. An all-out assault on glutamate is impossible. Half the neurons in the cerebral cortex use this transmitter, and a major reduction in its activity would be toxic. Instead, researchers are trying to target specific types of glutamate nerve receptors in specific parts of the brain. Acamprosate used in the treatment of alcoholism, acts at the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor. The anticonvulsant topiramate (Topamax), another proposed medication for alcoholics, may also act at that receptor. Memantine a relatively new drug that blocks NMDA receptors has proved promising in one small study of heroin addicts. Researchers are working on other approaches to medication for addictive disorders. Some are looking into the possibility of preventing stress-induced relapse by blocking the activity of CRH. Others are experimenting with immunization for cocaine and nicotine training the immune system to recognize the drug by injecting a molecule that simulates its effect, creating antibodies with the capacity to break the drug down before it reaches the brain. The addicted brain-The old and the new Finding new things is a continuous process and as scientists dig into addiction it is being revealed that chemical solutions may not be found anytime soon. Therefore in future treatments will only help to psychosocial treatment. This can only mean that we will still embrace 12-step self-help groups, behavioral therapies, and exploration of traumatic and everyday proficiencies which are likely to have distressed the balance of the reward and inhibition system. Behavior therapy offers the bases of reward and punishment that contest with the drug, such as payment for clean urine in the form of vouchers, or contingency contracts (in which addicts consent to forgo their cherished item if they go back to drug consumption). Motivation or will can be regarded as a brain function that is damaged by addiction, just as language or movement can be damaged by a stroke. In successful treatment of a stroke, other parts of the brain assume the functions of the injured region. In the same way, treatment for addiction may be able to make use of the remaining healthy parts of the motivation system to repair the damage. Twelve-step groups and motivational enhancement therapy could be seen as ways of accomplishing that. Administering treatment is often subject to the type of addiction and the addict. Novelty seekers and risk takers with inadequate reserve and conclusion may not respond to the same methods applicable to persons aggrieved by traumatic stress or hypersensitivity to daily stress. The great lesson we can get from this is that addictions are treatable chronic conditions but stretch longer to cures. When we know the nerve receptors targeted by the addictive drugs we get to learn more about their separate and common effects. However there is still a lot to be achieved about:

How changes in reward circuits results to addiction
How the brain creates the unconscious memories that make addicts susceptible to relapse
Why some people are especially vulnerable to addiction
How to translate the knowledge we have into more effective treatments.

New brain research proposes that addiction is not just a property of certain drugs but a characteristic of certain human activities and relationships. Experts have established that there are similarities between the brain scan images of compulsive gamblers and drug addicts. The impression of addiction to television, video games, overeating, or sexual behavior may be more than a comparison. Discovering the biology of addiction could lead to a profound understanding of the sources of all human motivation and habit formation and this can only be done by the involvement of experts like doctor Dalal Akoury who has been of great help to many people the world over for over two decades now.

The addicted brain-How Drugs Affect the whole system

Social Effects of Addiction

May 30, 2014

Social Effects of Addiction-Drug Addiction

No matter where you are and what you do addiction is still a threat, alcohol is even worse

Many people are very much conversant with the physical and psychological effects of an addiction but with little or no knowledge of the social effects of addiction. To say the truth social effects in many ways can be more harmful than the other two common ones put together. We by now must appreciate that drug addiction does not just affect the addict and abusers of substances, it’s effects are way beyond the addicts and has a far reaching effect which encompasses all family members, friends, employers, healthcare professionals and society as a whole. If you are addicted for example to alcohol, nicotine, drugs or even caffeine then the effects of this can negatively impact upon the following social categories:

Marriage and Relationships
Home and family life
Education
Employment
Health and wellbeing
Personality
Financial issues
Law and order

To have a clear understanding of this listed categories let us take a moment and discuss each of them;

Social Effects of Addiction-Marriage and relationships

If you have a situation in which one half of a couple is an addict then this can cause untold hardship for the other half. The person who is addicted may have changed from a previously easy going personality to one who is prone to mood swings, violent outbursts, secrecy and other forms of extreme behavior.

This is difficult for their partner to deal with and is even worse if there are children involved. It is both distressing and confusing for children to see one parent (or even both parents) exhibit signs of their addiction.

The person who is suffering from an addiction may be in financial difficulties which the other person is unaware of. Combine this with their irrational behavior, paranoia and in several cases, criminal behavior and you have a recipe for marital breakdown. In many cases the addict resorts to violence in desperation for their next ‘fix’. If he/she is craving a drink, cigarette or a particular drug but is unable to satisfy that craving – either due to a lack of money or prevented from doing so by their partner then violence is often the result.

Social Effects of Addiction-Home and family

On the subject of home or family life, there is also the possibility that the rest of the family may feel embarrassed or ashamed at this behavior of their loved ones. They will be bothered by the reactions of the society and specifically what others might say or think about their situation. This creates uncertainty to the family causing them to be confused and unsure as to what to do for the best.

If you are suffering from an addiction you may not know when under the influence of the substance but for the short time you will be sober you will definitely find out that your family is very concerned about your condition and are willing to help you realize that you have a problem and are prepared to face up to it. This concern may seems to you as if your family has pushed you out but it could also be the case that they see this as a form of ‘tough love’ in which they are giving you time to reflect upon yourself and your addiction. This they are doing with the hope that you will seek treatment for your addiction. Of cause they will provide support and help as well but you need to take that first step which to acknowledge that you have a problem.

Social Effects of Addiction-Education

If a child or young person is suffering from an addiction then this will impact upon their academics, relationships with other children and their home life. One such effect of this is truanting from school. This can happen if the child is addicted or if they have a parent who is an addict and neglects to care for them.

It is hard for a child or young person to resist the temptation of alcohol, cigarettes or drugs. A desire to be part of the gang or to try ‘forbidden fruit’ as a means of growing up can very quickly lead to addiction. Addiction tends to occur much more quickly in a young person than in an adult. The problem is that they can be hooked from just the first time they try a substance.

Social Effects of Addiction-Employment

Employers are affected if any of their employees develops an addiction. The employee concerned may have changed from that well behaved and efficient worker to someone who is late and careless at work, has neglected their appearance and personal hygiene and is displaying erratic or unacceptable levels of behavior. They may have started to go absent for no good reason, not completed their duties or stolen from colleagues and/or the company.

This results in that employee losing their job which then impacts upon their home and family life. Loss of their job means a reduction in income – especially if he/she is the main breadwinner, and puts a strain on the relationship. It can then lead to marriage/relationship breakdown and/or divorce.

Social Effects of Addiction-Health and well-being

The body’s well-being is mandatory all the time and anything affecting it must be corrected instantly where possible. Addiction is one element with negative influence in the well-being of the body with the most obvious effect of drug addiction being that on the physical health. Nonetheless there are some substances such as alcohol or caffeine which may be fine on an occasional basis and in moderate amounts however when the consumption become a regular habit then they damage to your health.

For instance couple sticks of cigarettes in a day can also be harmful. You may argue that you are a very light smoker and that this won’t cause a problem but you must also know that nicotine is a powerful stimulant and damage starts early on. Remember that with cigarette smoking you don’t have to physically smoke whatever quantity for you to be affected because you can be affected as a third party smoker that is to say you stay close with smokers when they smoke and inhale the polluted air full of nicotine from the cigarette smoke.

Social Effects of Addiction-Personality

Addiction affects someone’s personality and behavior in a variety of ways although this very much depends upon the type of substance used and the amount; their psychological make-up before the addiction and physical health and their lifestyle.

Some substances have a greater effect than others upon mental health, for example, heroin is stronger than nicotine and will have a bigger impact upon the brain. Added to that is the fact that all of us are different in regard to our psychological make-up which means that at any given time will you find two people affected in the same way. So, one person may experience a greater level of ‘damage’ than another person using the same substance, mainly due to their brain chemistry. Bringing us to the question “what does an addiction do to someone’s mental health and behavior?”

Drug addicts will always demonstrate behavior which is completely out of character.
They may become secretive or deliberately offensive and harm themselves, lie, cheat or steal.
They may also place their addiction needs above the basic needs of their family and friends.

Social Effects of Addiction-Financial issues

The costs of an addiction not only affect the sufferer but can also encompass family, friends and society as a whole. There are the costs of policing, drug addiction help lines, support groups and rehab clinics. Indirectly there is lost revenue in the form of tax and national insurance contributions each time an addict loses their job or is unable to work. This means a drop in revenue for the Treasury and an increase in welfare benefits, e.g. unemployment benefit.

This may sound extreme but if you were to multiply all of this by the number of drug addicts in different countries, then it all adds up to a hefty drain on the country’s purse strings. However on a smaller scale there is the financial damage to family or friends as the addict will resort to theft or other criminal means in order to fund their habit.

Social Effects of Addiction-Law and order

It is an open truth that people who are addicted to drugs very often turn to crime as a means of paying for their addiction. This is very costly for the economy since it involves stealing or fraud to obtain the funds necessary to bankroll their addiction. The sad part of it is that it normally starts in small scale like stealing from one’s partner, family or friends and the in graduates to include the employer or several organizations and eventually into serious robbery with sophisticated weapons. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care, we focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE, you will be safe with this team of experts and your life will never be the same again.

Social Effects of Addiction-Drug Addiction

Stress and Addiction, Addiction and Your Stress

May 29, 2014

Stress and addiction-Drug Addiction

Stress that leads to addiction can be very dangerous to human life.

We are surrounded with things and situations which in many ways cause is to be stressed and disturbed mentally. Too much money adds lots of responsibilities in management which can be very stressful and on the other hand too little or no money at all can also be stressful since this brings with it luck of basic commodities and services like food, clothing, accommodation and medication. Because of these life situations many of us may suffer from or will experience stress at some point in our lives. Stress appears to be a condition of modern life and even more so for those of us who are asset rich but time poor.

Stress and addiction-Too much stress can lead to addiction

The pace and different dynamics of life has speed up and resonated up over the past few decades or so and many at times we find ourselves continually trying to keep up! Juggling with the demands of work with family and friends can be difficult and the pressure emanating from this often leads to stress. But the problem with stress is that it affects people differently. What one person finds stressful another sees it as a challenge to deal with.

Stress and addiction-Causes of stress

To understand this well we will need to ask ourselves this common question “from where do we start?” and I say, we first identify some of the common and potential stressors in individuals life, they include employment, family, money worries, moving house, bereavement, divorce etc. In fact the list is endless however there is a list of the most stressful life events in life which include the following:

Moving house
Financial difficulty/bankruptcy
Redundancy
Death of spouse/partner

These listed above are just but some of the most likely causes of stress and addiction. We know that a small amount of stress or to be more accurate we can use the adjective “pressure” can be good for us. Reasonable amount of can be a motivating factor to us, through this it may improves performance and drives us to succeed to our desired objectives even if it may appear un uphill task. None the less unrelenting or chronic pressure has the opposite effect. It’s that point where we feel as if we can no longer cope with pressure and at this point it becomes stress and addiction can happen. There are many people who are more resistant to stress than others. Stress is a powerful ingredient which can cause physical, psychological and emotional problems, stress and addiction usually go hand in hand.

Stress and addiction-Coping with stress

While appreciating the significant effects of stress, it is important to note that people will react and deal differently with stress. Some people will use physical activities like exercise or sport as a means of working off their stress whereas others may prefer something more relaxing, entertaining and comforting or pleasant to hear. Nevertheless there is yet another group of people who will turn into less beneficial forms of relaxation. For instance alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and drugs are some of the stress relief forms used by many drug addicts this however only compounds the problem. The effects of stress combined with that of substance abuse can easily spiral out of control, This is why stress and addiction are so linked.

Cigarettes and alcohol are the most accessible forms of ‘drugs’ and usually the most affordable to many in the society. Alcohol is also a socially acceptable drug and due to this it’s use is not considered to be a problem by law even though those in authority licensing its consumption are well aware of the dangers involved. So going for a few drinks after work with your colleagues is considered to be a normal part of life in any working day.

Smoking is still seen as a way of relaxing despite it being banished out of the workplace and other social places. However, we still see small groups of people huddled outside their office having a cigarette. There are people who still continue to smoke in spite of this restriction and/or the dangers to their health.

Drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines are often used as a quick way of releasing stress and tension which has built up during the working week. A popular way of using these is at parties or socializing at the weekend and some people view these as an integral part of their social lives. We can see how stress and addiction relates?

These type of people may be ambitious high-achievers who often live for the moment and tend to view their drug use as a part of their ‘scene’. They may act quite casually about it and consider it to be a normal part of their fast-paced lives. For them it is about risk-taking and living life on the edge and drug use is just one form of this.

Stress and addiction-Work related stress

It can be the case that someone works in a highly stressful environment in which employees use alcohol or drugs as a way of winding down at the end of the day. This may start off on an occasional basis but as their tolerance to that substance grows then so does their addiction.

If you work in a highly competitive, target-driven environment then you will probably be running on adrenaline most of the time. This may help when it comes to making important decisions or reaching a deadline but a constant state of hyperactivity will be harmful in the long term.

There is also the fact that some jobs have a culture in which drinking is part of that culture. If your job requires you to entertain clients or join in on ‘bonding session’, which involves alcohol, then it is hard to refuse. In many cases a refusal to do so can be seen as not being a team player and may affect your chances of promotion or even your future with that company.

There is also the issue of money: if your job is well remunerated then this will enable you to spend money on these substances as and when you like. What happens then is that you spend more and more money in order to fuel your addiction which leads to serious financial problems, which then causes more stress, which results in an increase in your addiction and so on, this then reaches at a point at which your addiction is out of your control and affects not only you but others around you.

Finally the effects of a stressful job combined with the effects of an addictive substance add up to what can be a lethal combination. To solve this you may want to visit AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care, at this facility we focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. So If stress is a problem for you then talk to doctor Dalal Akoury.

Stress and addiction-Drug Addiction

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids

May 26, 2014

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-It is very possible

You can free yourself from addiction by good nutrition. Your brain needs amino acids to function normally.

Addiction is a condition which is real and within us. We are either affected directly or indirectly. Despite its grave effects to humanity we have yet to appreciate that addiction is a physical disorder originating in the brain. Addiction has painful symptoms which occur during abstinence that interferes with the ability to stay sober. Some of these symptoms include; craving, obsession, compulsion, stress sensitivity, anxiety, depression, mental confusion, and hypersensitivity to the environment. It is also important to note that the pain of staying sober can be so severe that it may interfere with the ability to function normally even when the desire for and commitment is strong.

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-Neurotransmitters and Addiction

Everyone need comfort both physical and emotional, for this to effectively take place, neurotransmitters will play a very significant role in feelings of pleasure and well-being. The brain will in the event of deficiency or excess of the neurotransmitters will give rise to uncomfortable feelings. Many at times the decisions and actions we take are chosen to produce good feeling or relieve bad feelings. For example:

We eat because it produces a reward of good feelings.
We eat certain foods because they produce a better reward than others (chocolate produces more reward for most people than parsley).
We have sex because it produces a powerful release of pleasurable chemicals.
We work because the work itself is rewarding for us or because the end result produces a reward.
We refrain from certain actions because they do not produce the feeling of reward we are seeking.
We all differ in what gives us satisfaction and in the depth of satisfaction we experience, but we are all motivated by chemical actions in the brain that nature uses to keep us alive, motivated, functioning, and reproducing.

An imbalance in the interaction of neurotransmitters can result in a reward deficiency3 that can manifest as restlessness, anxiety, emptiness, lack of satisfaction, and vague or specific cravings. When this takes place the brain is simply communicating to us to take action to make right the imbalance. There are substances and activities that change our biochemistry so much that we want to do them over and over. And if the person has a reward deficit that predisposes to addiction, the activity that works will be repeated as often as necessary to get the desired reward. For the person predisposed to addiction, the chosen activity will rapidly go from self-medication to addiction.

But because a substance does not lead to out-of-control behavior does not mean that it is not dangerous. Many socially acceptable addictions can lead to serious health problems and even death. Nicotine usually does not lead to intoxication but does lead to serious health problems. It is far more addicting than alcohol or illegal drugs and is usually accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms when smoking ceases and can be as painful as withdrawing from alcohol or cocaine. Prescription painkillers and antidepressants can be highly addictive. Withdrawal, especially from benzodiazepines, can be very serious and can even lead to death. For some people, food is the most powerful mood-altering substance available. Most people believe that overeating is a lack of willpower or self-discipline. But the people most susceptible to it often have a physical condition that keeps them from feeling satisfied from normal eating. Some addictions are not to substances but to behaviors such gambling, compulsive working, or excessive spending. The problem does not lie in the behavior itself, but in how it is done. If any behavior is accompanied by compulsion, obsession, and negative consequences, it is a problem and requires some action to learn to manage the behavior in a healthy way.

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-Treatment for the Addicted Brain

While research has opened doors to new understandings of the nature of addiction and its effect on the brain, little of this information has been applied to actually helping people get well from this devastating disease. There are scientifically based strategies that change the brain chemistry of the addicted person, removing the discomfort of withdrawal, eliminating cravings, and relieving the abstinence-based symptoms of addiction. These include nutritional therapy, acupuncture, auricular-therapy, and brain wave biofeedback. The most important is the nutritional approach, especially with the use of amino acids, which is the focus of this discussion.

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-Amino Acid Therapy

Neurotransmitters are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The nervous system is regulated almost entirely by amino acids and their biochemical companions, vitamins and minerals. There are key neurotransmitters that are affected by addiction and need to be restored to their normal state for the recovering person to be free of cravings and anxiety. The amino acids, precursors to neurotransmitters, can be taken separately, as a formulated compound, or intravenously. Intravenous delivery has the advantage of bypassing the digestive system. This offers hope for the thousands of people whose digestive systems have been damaged by addiction to alcohol or drugs, caffeine, or junk food. Certain vitamins—especially B vitamins—activate and potentiate the effects of amino acids.

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-Nutrition

For the brain to recover from addiction effectively the addicted person’s brain will need good food nutrients. For example amino acids and vitamins are essential for nourishing the brain. The good food nutrients and adequate supply of amino acids is not just until you are feeling better, and not just until the initial withdrawal and craving are gone. No one seeking freedom from the discomfort of addiction must make the same kind of commitment to healthy feeding habits all the time.

Depending on what amino acids they contain, some foods increase mental alertness, concentration, and energy, while others are natural tranquilizers that calm feelings of anxiety and stress. The neurotransmitter tyrosine synthesizes to dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing energy and alertness. Foods highest in tyrosine are foods derived from animal protein: chicken, turkey, pork, beef, dairy, and eggs. Moderate amounts of tyrosine are found in plant foods such as beans, corn, spinach, oatmeal, nuts, and seeds.

A very important thing to know about a diet for recovery is that protein contains all the essential amino acids. Therefore a high-protein diet will give your brain more of what it needs. Complete protein foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. The body stores very little protein, so you should eat it at least three times a day. And for the sake of both energy and your brain, we recommend three meals and three snacks daily.

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-Supporting Recovery

To support healing of the brain, other healthy lifestyle choices are important. A regular exercise, yoga, rest, relaxation, fun, and creative living are important to reduce stress and increase a sense of serenity and well-being. However healthy living with good nutrition is the key to recovery from addiction. Nevertheless people who are struggling with addiction and are wondering if ever they will ever overcome the compulsion and obsession related to an addictive substance or the agony of abstinence your help is on the way at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. This is the place to be and you will meet a team of experts who will help you get well while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Healing the Addicted Brain with Amino Acids-It is very possible

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery

May 22, 2014

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Effects of Nutritional Imbalances

Proper diet and nutrition is very good in solving the problem of drug addiction recovery put together with physical activities good health is almost guaranteed.

The human body needs to be kept healthy for it to function optimally as required. Several things put together helps in ensuring the proper functionality of the body. Among them is the good nutrition, we all need to feed well for our bodies to have enough energy to propel daily life activities. When we feed well and a void harmful substance like drugs into our system the body will function normally, however the deficiency of these vital nutrients in the body may have serious consequences especially in the life of those using drugs.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-How substance abuse harms the body

Substance abuse harms the body in two major ways which needs to be properly identified and addresses adequately, the two ways include:

The substance itself affects the body
It causes negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating and poor diet

For example, infants who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb often have physical and mental problems. The alcohol affects the growing baby by crossing the placenta. After birth, the baby may have withdrawal symptoms. The mother’s poor nutrition while she is drinking can harm the baby’s growth and development while still in the womb.

Recovery from substance abuse also affects the body in other ways, including metabolism processing energy, organ function, and mental well-being. Proper nutrition may help the healing process. Nutrients supply the body with energy. They provide substances to build and maintain healthy organs and fight off infection.

The impact of different drugs on nutrition is described below.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Opiates

Opiates including codeine, oxycontin, heroin, and morphine affect the gastrointestinal system. Constipation is a very common symptom of abuse. Symptoms that are common during withdrawal include:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting

These symptoms may lead to a lack of enough nutrients and an imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.

Eating balanced meals may make these symptoms less severe however eating can be difficult due to nausea. A high-fiber diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, peas, and beans is recommended.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Alcohol

Alcoholism is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the United States. The most common deficiencies are of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamine, and folic acid. A lack of these nutrients causes anemia and nervous system neurologic problems. Korsakoff’s syndrome “wet brain” occurs when heavy alcohol use causes a lack of enough thiamine.

Alcohol intoxication also damages two major organs involved in metabolism and nutrition: the liver and the pancreas. The liver removes toxins from harmful substances. The pancreas regulates blood sugar and the absorption of fat. Damage to these two organs results in an imbalance of fluids, calories, protein, and electrolytes.

Other complications include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Permanent liver damage (or cirrhosis)
Seizures
Severe malnutrition
Shortened life expectancy

Laboratory tests for protein, iron, and electrolytes may be needed to determine if there is liver disease in addition to the alcohol problem. Women who drink heavily are at high risk of osteoporosis and need to take calcium supplements.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Stimulants

Stimulant use (such as crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine) reduces appetite, and leads to weight loss and poor nutrition. Abusers of these drugs may stay up for days at a time. They may be dehydrated and have electrolyte imbalances during these episodes. Returning to a normal diet can be hard if a person has lost a lot of weight.

Memory problems, which may be permanent, are a complication of long-term stimulant use.

Marijuana

Marijuana can increase appetite. Some long-term users may be overweight and need to cut back on fat, sugar, and total calories.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Nutrition and psychological aspects of substance abuse

When people feel better, they are less likely to start using alcohol and drugs again. Because balanced nutrition helps improve mood and health, it is important to encourage a healthy diet in people recovering from alcohol and other drug problems.

However, people who have just given up an important source of pleasure may not be ready to make other drastic lifestyle changes. It is more important that people avoid returning to substance abuse than that they stick to a strict diet.

Guidelines

Stick to regular mealtimes
Eat a low-fat diet
Get more protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber
Vitamin and mineral supplements may be helpful during recovery (this may include B-complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C)

People with substance abuse are more likely to relapse when they have poor eating habits. This is why regular meals are so important. People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol often forget what it’s like to be hungry and instead think of this feeling as a drug craving. They should be encouraged to consider that they may be hungry when cravings become strong.

During recovery from substance abuse, dehydration is common. It is important to get enough fluids during and in between meals. Appetite usually returns during recovery. People in recovery are often more likely to overeat, particularly if they were taking stimulants. Eat healthy meals and snacks and avoid high-calorie foods with low nutrition (such as sweets), if possible.

The following tips can help improve the odds of a lasting and healthy recovery:

Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
Get physical activity and enough rest.
Reduce caffeine and stop smoking, if possible.
Seek help from counselors or support groups on a regular basis.
Take vitamin and mineral supplements.

We have adequately seen that nutrition imbalances are a major factor in drug addiction recovery and we must make necessary efforts to ensure that we feed well at all times. However if you are already suffering directly from addiction, then you will need to see a specialist. If you are looking for one then you need not to look any further because at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care you will be professionally handled with a team of experts who will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is the place to be for quick recovery.

Diet and Drug Addiction Recovery-Effects of Nutritional Imbalances

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