The Neurochemistry of Female Sex Addiction

May 3, 2015

The Neurochemistry of Female Sex Addiction

Female sex addiction Sex addiction is a problem that many people are battling with in the US and the world over. However in the past it was thought that men were the main victims of sex addiction but research has since proved that this is a lie as women are more prone to this vice as opposed to women. Another factor that makes women more of victims is the fact that generally society has always associated women who are addicted to sex as sluts while men who are addicted to sex are often thought as studs. The reality of the matter however is, both genders are at a loss when addicted but what makes it easier for men to find help is the fact that they are free and can express their problems when addressed by their therapists and this openness helps them find help. On the other hand, women afraid of all the negative tittles they will be associated are often afraid to open up and let the problem be known and this will manifest in various behavioral changes.

Orgasm and dopamine

Most people who engage in sex for recreational purposes are often in pursuit for the highest sexual climax otherwise known as orgasm. According Wilhelm Reich orgasm naturally helps in discharge of excess bio-energy with the additional liberation of feeling energy, and he also recognized the negative consequences of blocked sexual energies. However it’s quite unfortunate that in addition to exciting peaks, orgasms tend to produce powerful negative side-effects that are only now becoming better understood. This is due to predictable trends in hormonal activity which seem to be similar in all mammals to ensure certain evolutionary objectives, especially the wide mixing of gene pools and the safe raising of offspring. This is achieved with the following neurochemical changes.

As expected there are hormones that come to play; dopamine, the reward hormone; prolactin, the hormone of satiation; oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, and levels of androgen receptors, which all powerfully affect our mood, our desire for intimacy, our perception of our mate, as well as our susceptibility to addictive activities and substances. These hormones can also have different but generally related functions.

The levels of dopamine will abruptly fall and this will induce the usual withdrawal symptoms. The fall of dopamine is rather immediate in men while it takes time in women to occur. As the level of dopamine falls the level of prolactin will heighten and the androgen receptors fall after orgasm. Low testosterone in women is associated with irritability and anger. In sexually-satiated rats it has been shown that serotonin and endorphin levels also rise, and this also decreases dopamine and raises prolactin levels. Oxytocin levels fall after conventional orgasm but remaining in close contact may help to counter this drop and sustain oxytocin levels. It is the fall of dopamine to the lows that is associated with all the withdrawal effects and women, deprived of affection will engage in sex repeatedly to enjoy the magical bliss of dopamine heights during sex especially at orgasm. This is a ‘high’ that is often compared to the feeling those using drugs of pleasure often crave.

Apart from behavioral changes a female addict will suffer from disturbed hormone equilibrium that may last for a week or two, a period in which she will be battling these side effects; being more irritable, dissatisfied, and anxious or depressed. This is exactly the same process and length of time prolactin levels need to recover during withdrawal from cocaine.

Another stimulant that is involved in sex is the phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA is also present in cocoa and chocolate and elevates energy, mood and attention. PEA is produced in greater amounts when one is in love and when this stimulant is in low levels, a person will feel unhappy and deprived.

as mentioned in earlier article, most women get addicted to sex while in pursuit of love and affection, When a woman first fall in love she becomes bonded by rising PEA, oxytocin and dopamine levels .When she is are sexually aroused by close contact her dopamine level rises further and at the time of orgasm she will have a dopamine brainstorm which one researchers have compared to the effects of heroin on the brain. Dopamine is active in all addictions, even in people who have forgotten what sex is. Most of this activity is in the limbic system, the oldest part of the brain.

What causes addiction in women?

Female sex addiction The honest truth is that what causes sex addiction women is until now poorly understood but researchers have pointed fingers at childhood neglect or abuse, such as physical or emotional abandonment or other forms of trauma. Most of females who are sex addicts are reported to have experienced sex abuse as children. Early child abuse of nearly any kind can impair a child’s ability to bond in healthy ways as an adult, leading to chronic relationship intimacy issues that can eventually morph into sexual addiction.

Research suggests that there’s also a strong neurochemical component to both eating disorders and sexual addiction. One can become addicted to the potent neurochemical rush that occurs during an exciting sexual or romantic encounter. This neurobiological blend includes highly satisfying dopamine as well as adrenaline, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Women suffering from emotional or psychological issues such as depression or anxiety and from childhood trauma or profound trauma as an adult can unconsciously use this neurochemical response to cope with stress and painful emotions. Compulsively reliving or re-enacting the pleasurable fantasies and experiences sets up an addictive cycle of using sex and sexual fantasies to control intensely painful emotions.

Finally, sex addiction is not a light matter. It’s a problem that is still holding many women captives .This problem needs to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

The Neurochemistry of Female Sex Addiction

Female Sex Addiction Treatment

May 3, 2015

How to Treat Female Sex Addiction

Addiction is a serious problem that should be addressed amicably to avail the best of solutions to those affected. As it stands people get addicted to different things and while some kinds of addictions are more common like drug addiction, behavioral addictions are also dangerous just as much and so should not be overlooked. Sex addiction is real and has enslaved many people men and women alike, however while sex addiction affects both males and females, the challenges faced by female addicts are greater. However contrary to what many people thin sex addiction is never really about sex, but about a hungry heart that craves intimacy. Sex is merely the vehicle that a person uses to find nurture and acceptance. The mechanism behind sex addiction is the very same mechanism behind alcohol, drug, and other addictions. Due to the fact that many women are victims of sex addiction it is therefore necessary to come up with a better understanding of this vice so as to help relieve women who are addicted to sex.

Sex addiction is also catapulted by other factors that may include the need to medicate emotional pain or escape an unsatisfactory situation, and the impulsive or even compulsive quest to satisfy unmet emotional needs. In short, sex addiction is best viewed as an attachment or intimacy disorder.

Sex addiction in itself is a problem but it may also lead to other forms of addiction like addiction to drugs and other substances. Addiction from sex can also span from highly dysfunctional families where members are not given the warmth of the family embrace. In absence of this females most likely seek this affection elsewhere, an affection that is mostly actualized in sex. Women who are addicted to sex may also suffer from, eating disorders are common, as is chemical dependency, and compulsions for work, spending, and gambling. There is a perception that women continue to be underrepresented in health and addiction studies. This perception is trues as many individuals, both professionals and non-professionals, assume sex addiction is for men only. Research demonstrates that the majority of abuse survivors are female, making them more susceptible to addiction. It is quite unfortunate that many women continue to go undiagnosed and often treatment of past sex abuse will be too limited to prevent later sex addiction. In most cases even if counselors recognize that females can be sexually addicted, they may fail to recognize the feminine nuances that typically define female sex addiction.

Researchers have also linked childhood abuse to sex addiction in adulthood. Some of the abuses that many females are subjected to in childhood include; verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse. When a person is subjected to any of these abuses whether with illicit intentions or without intending to cause hurt, they may develop the craving for affection and even a need to be appreciated and loved, it’s these vacuum that they eventually opt to find in sexual activities that they get stuck to after sometime. When one considers the need for intimacy to be the primary motivator of a human being, it’s easy to see how abuse of any type undermines this core need and damages one’s ability to foster healthy attachment to others.

Treatments for female sex addictions

Due to its adverse effects on the lives of women, several hospitals are now offering varied avenues for treatments of female sex addiction. Most of the time any treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s life, relationship and sexual history. This information is utilized throughout treatment to help clients develop more loving relationships, greater intimacy and healthy sexuality which are key in sex addiction treatment.

Some of the sex addictions that have been specifically used for women include;

12-Step meetings onsite and via electronic media
Weekly experiential learning days, including climbing, equine therapy and a ropes course
Fully gender-separate living, eating, recreational and treatment environment
Weekly equine therapy
Multi-day family program, which includes couples equine therapy sessions
Pastoral counseling available when requested
Dedicated, gender-specific residential support staff
A licensed and highly experienced female therapist specifically dedicated to guiding clients throughout their entire CRSR stay
Gender-specific, trauma-focused therapy with a trauma specialist
Daily group therapy and other individual work

When an effective sex addiction treatment is put in place then all the co-occurring issues with sex addiction like substance abuse, emotional trauma, eating disorders and other addictions are also curbed. Through an effective sex addiction treatment, women are invited to address underlying issues that support unhealthy relationship patterns. Women are also encouraged to help establish boundaries that may help them work toward genuine self-esteem and stable intimacy as opposed to that appreciation achieved only with sex.

Women who are struggling with sex addiction are also encouraged to work with communities that may help to ease the guilt that they feel especially if their sex addiction is fuelled by childhood abuses or bitter sexual memories that may stem from sex abuse. With these communities women are able to share their experience, an act that serves as a safety valve that helps them exhale the bitter insecurities that spur into them irresistible craving for sex.

Finally, sex addiction is a problem that many women are enslaved to. This problem needs to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

How to Treat Female Sex Addiction

Herbs For Pain and Addiction Treatment

March 24, 2015

Use of Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian, Wood Betony, Yellow Jasmine in Pain and Addiction Treatment

Addiction is still one of the major problems that we are still living with today. Though known for its devastating effects, addiction has still remained when of the many menaces that our youths as well as the older generation alike are still glued to. However there is a bitter reality that you need to be aware of, a reality that none of your already addicted friends will let you know of; the journey to addiction treatment and recovery is that which is not easily won. There are serious hurdles that you shall have to meet along the way as you fight on to reach the greener side of life where the chains of addiction are broken. Just like any other disease there are myriads of ways through which the treatment of addiction can be effected. one is through pharmaceutical ways of treatment and the other through natural ways of treatment that may at times be used alongside the orthodox ways of treatment or as an assortment of various herbs and a special choice of diets that helps restore the damage of drugs on the addict and hence making it possible for the addict to be treated of the illness. On the other hand when pharmaceuticals are used for treating drug addiction the doctors will mostly use a substitute of your drug to satisfy your craving for the drug of abuse you are addicted to. Though this may present a short term solution it still doesn’t let you be free from the drug as you will still continue using a substance that is thought to be less addictive and not so dangerous. However the reality is that this kind of treatment does not address the brain imbalances that an addict suffers after a long term use of a certain drug.

Addiction Treatment

As we have seen in previous articles the part of the body that is adversely affected by addiction to drug abuse is the nervous system. The neurotransmitters like the dopamine and the other crucial ones are literally damaged after a prolonged use of drugs. this therefore calls for a treatment option that will not only focus on ending the craving that addicts have for their substance of abuse but to help restore the whole person back to what he or she was before he got into drug use that has since chained him or her. Most pharmaceutical drugs do not consider this but mostly gear towards treating the symptoms of addiction like depression and anxiety that is normally done with sedatives while the underlying problem; the damage to the nervous system, is left unchanged. Through the years there have been different alternatives to addiction that have since come up and have been found to be effective. An example of these alternative therapies that have shown hope to addicts is the use of stem cell therapy that aims at restoring the damage caused by drugs. Despite the effectiveness of some of these alternatives the use of herbs in addiction treatment is yet to be scrapped off, this is solely because of the effectiveness of some herbs in treating addiction. Here are some of the herbs that can be used to help in the addiction treatment and recovery.

Jamaican Dogwood

Jamaican dogwood is mostly used for pain. It has sedative effect, reduces muscle spasm and cools nerve pain. It also reduces inflammations. It has often been the top choice for relieving nerve pain and it has been proved to be powerful in pain management. It is derived from the bark of the dogwood tree, and can be taken in capsule or tincture forms as well as a tea from the bark’s powder. Though known for pain management it can contribute in help with addiction as when used it helps to calm down the nerves and relive an addict off the withdrawal effects like depression and anxiety that most of the times can lead to relapse. However beneficial it is it can be potentially dangerous when used for self-medication. It is therefore safe to use it with instructions from an integrative addiction doctor as it is irritant and can cause numbness, tremors, salivation, and sweating.

Wood Betony

Wood Betony

This herb is commonly found in Europe. This plant is rich in medicinal properties. To begin with the fresh, undried leaf of wood betony is a natural pain reliever. This analgesic is good for addiction as it helps in calming the nerves as well as fighting some common symptoms of addiction like depression anxiety and insomnia.

Valeria

Valeria has great sedation properties. As have been revealed by past literature, Valeria has great influence on the cerebro-spinal system. In a recovering addict this herb can be used to promote nerve relaxation and sleep. Insomnia is a common symptom that most addicts battle with, with valerian a recovering addict can be helped evade the grave effects of insomnia and anxiety. It does this by exerting an influence quieting and soothing in its nature upon the brain and nervous system. Other herbs that have been found to be helpful in the journey of addiction treatment and recovery are; Yellow Jasmine, St. Johns worts and chamomile among others

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Use of Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian, Wood Betony, Yellow Jasmine in Pain and Addiction Treatment

Reward Deficiency Syndrome In Addiction

March 19, 2015

Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Its Role in Addiction and Treatment

The first people to come up with the term Reward deficiency syndrome were Blum K, Sheridan PJ, Wood RC, Braverman ER, Chen TJ, Cull JG and Comings DE in a research titled; The D2 dopamine receptor gene as a determinant of reward deficiency syndrome in 1996. This term refers to an insufficiency of usual feelings of satisfaction. Reward deficiency syndrome results from a dysfunction in the brain reward system which is a complex interaction among neurotransmitters primarily dopaminergic and opiodergic neurotransmitters. Those who have a family history of alcohol and other drugs addictions may be born with a deficiency in the ability to produce or utilize these neurotransmitters which are known to play crucial in etiology of addiction to substances. This problem can also be caused by corruption of brain reward system that may be caused by exposure to long periods of stress or use of alcohol and other substance for a long time. When the neurotransmitters are low or are blocked from reaching the intended brain receptors, individuals often feel discomfort or pain. Behaviors resulting from a failure of the system that normally confers satisfaction include drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, heavy cigarette smoking, gambling, and hyperactivity. These problems have been linked to genetic defects especially to dysfunction of the dopamine receptors.

A dysfunction in the dopamine receptors obviously leads to myriads of health complications since it is the brain neurotransmitter that controls feelings of well-being and is mostly targeted by drugs of abuse. However powerful dopamine doesn’t work alone, it interacts with other neurotransmitters like serotonin and other neurotransmitters to control moods and cravings. When these neurotransmitters bind on the neural receptors, they trigger a reaction in the reward system, therefore any interference with this coordination will result in abnormal behavior in Reward deficiency syndrome, including addictions, impulsivity, and excessive risk taking. This is the reason why people who have a defect in the DRD2 dopamine receptor gene lack a sufficient number of dopamine receptors in their brains to produce the brain reward cascade. In turn, this leads to Reward deficiency syndrome, including abnormal cravings and resultant strange conduct.

Reward deficiency syndrome and Drug Abuse

The reward circuitry consists of an in-series circuit linking the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum via the medial forebrain bundle. In the past the reward circuitry was believed to encode only the set point of hedonic tone but have since been found to be functionally far more complex, also encoding attention, expectancy of reward, disconfirmation of reward expectancy, and incentive motivation. Here have been speculations that hedonic dysregulation within the reward circuits may lead to addiction. A second-stage dopaminergic component in this reward circuitry is the crucial addictive-drug-sensitive component. All drugs that are addictive are known to enhance the dopaminergic reward synaptic function in the nucleus accumbens. as for most of addictive drugs like cocaine the tolerance to the euphoric effects will develop after a long term use after which a post use dysphoria then comes to dominate reward circuit hedonic tone, and addicts no longer use drugs to get high, but simply to get back to normal. Reward deficiency syndrome as seen here may make an addict chained to the drug of use since the addict will need to feel normal but that will not possible since the dopamine receptors and parts of the reward circuit will have been affected adversely and so the drug use will be continued as a result of Reward deficiency syndrome and not for euphoric purposes.

It is also important to note that the brain circuits that mediates pleasurable effects of addictive drugs are anatomically, neurophysiologically, and neurochemically different from those mediating physical dependence, and from those mediating craving and relapse. Apart from Reward deficiency syndrome other factors that also come to play in addiction include gene variations that may increase vulnerability to drug addiction. Environmental factors also have an input for example prolonged stress and social defeat may also increase a person’s vulnerability to drug addiction as they alter the brain reward system. However dopaminergic dysfunction within the reward circuitry is the biggest contribution to addiction-prone personality effects.

Treating Reward deficiency syndrome

Reward deficiency syndrome has influence in drug addiction and therefore any drug addiction treatment must incorporate strategies to treat Reward deficiency syndrome in order to avoid reoccurrence of the addiction after a hard won fight. In fact when the problem in the reward circuitry isn’t addressed then treatment of addiction will have very narrow chances of success. To help in this pursuit, treatment of cocaine addiction should have in part a dopamine agonist agonistic therapy to heal the dopaminergic system.

When an agonist therapy is to be used, it’s crucial to note that the baseline amount of dopamine receptors has predictability as to differential clinical outcomes in reward deficiency syndrome. In a study of 10 subjects with an allele on the Taq1A DRD2 gene, which is associated with reduced dopamine receptor concentration and decreased neural responses to rewards (A1+ subjects). The 10 subjects were scanned twice, once on placebo and once on cabergoline which is D2 receptor agonist. Consistent with an inverted-U relationship between the DRD2 polymorphism and drug effects, cabergoline increased neural reward responses in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and striatum for A1+ subjects, but decreased reward responses in these regions for A1− subjects. Drug addiction treatment should therefore put in place measures to ensure that reward deficiency syndrome is treated. Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center has dedicated her life to helping patients restore their lives by use of integrative medicine. She also holds many conferences in which she offers training on how integrative medicine can be used to fight addiction among other conditions. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Its Role in Addiction and Addiction Treatment

Foods That Help Boost Serotonin Level

March 17, 2015

Foods That Raise Serotonin Level

Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin helps in regulation of mood and sleep. According to recent research findings, when the level of serotonin is below optimum it can cause increased incidences of aggressive behavior. Low serotonin levels have also been linked to anxiety and depression. If the recent research findings have to be believed which of course they are, then low serotonin levels are dangerous as it may lead to suicidal acts. In terms of dieting, making sure you’re not serotonin deficient is vital because serotonin triggers satiety after eating. Depressed serotonin levels is the likely reason why the vast majority of people cannot stay on a very low carbohydrate diet for the long term without feeling an unavoidable need to binge which may lead to more complex disorders. In the brain the production of neurotransmitter happens naturally without intervention of any other drug, however when you have used the drugs of abuse for some time they will lead to depletion in the levels of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. This therefore means that for healthy levels of serotonin to be achieved after use of drugs, there is need for replenishing and supplementing serotonin through diet. There are foods that are very helpful in raising the levels of serotonin . Here are some of them.

Serotonin

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables work in myriad ways to ensure good health. the greens are rich in various minerals and vitamins that go along way in boosting the levels of serotonin. some of the fresh vegetables that are actually beneficial in increasing the level of serotonin include Spinach which contains a substantial dose of folic acid. it is also a wonderful source of the mineral magnesium, a natural anxiety combatant. Without enough magnesium in your diet, you may find it hard to concentrate in addition to being fatigued and irritable. other foods that are rich in magnesium and hence helpful in boosting levels of serotonin include; cacao, seaweed, bananas, orange, tree nuts, peanuts, whole grains, corn, cheese, eggs, milk, and white fish.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruits are rich in nutritional content. The fresh fruits are rich in vitamins that serve the purpose of rejuvenating the body and giving it a healing approach as well as protecting the body and restoring crucial neurotransmitters like the serotonin which therefore helps in ensuring good moods. fruits are rich in B3 vitamins. these fruits may include watermelon, peaches, bananas, cantaloupe, and avocado. Generally, the B vitamins are very essential in restoration of neurotransmitters especially after a period of long term use of drugs of pleasure that are known to disrupt the functions of the neurotransmitters.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the devil away is a common adage. The health benefits of apples are many and this explains why it is always recommended for patients. A compound found in apples called “quercetin’ is an antioxidant that studies have shown may not only help in the prevention of cancer but may also play an important role in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. the medicinal abilities of this compound is confounding. It also helps in boosting serotonin as well as dopamine levels.

Herbs that Boost Serotonin Levels:

St. John’s wort -St. John’s wort is effective against mild to moderate depression, alleviates anxiety, insomnia, and irritability and eases pain. It increases the level of serotonin in the brain as well.

Dandelion– This herb is widely used in Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout. In the addict it will ease the transportation of nutrients in the body and restore energy in the cells as well as boost the level of serotonin.

Cannabis- though known for all the wrong reasons, cannabis has very high medicinal content, however it is highly addictive and that dictates that it be used in moderation as unregulated use can cause addiction. It works in a way that it increases the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Burdock– burdock has been used to treat other conditions ranging from arthritis to diabetes to hair loss, and it’s an active ingredient in some cancer treatments this herb is also good in resoring the levels of serotonin.

Ginseng– contrary to what many people believe , ginseng does not only increase the level of serotonin in the body but also works in rejuvenating, restorative, boosts energy and vitality and is tonic to the brain. Ginseng is often prescribed for patients fighting depression which is a common symptom of withdrawal from drug use. This herb is a better therapy for those who are under physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stress as it is a very strong antidepressant and adaptogenic. Ginseng promotes strong nerves, sound sleep, improves memory, clear thinking and enhances concentration.

Use of drugs for along time causes damage to the neurotransmitters. apart from the foods and the herbs, you can also increase the level of serotonin by sunlight. Bright light increases the production of Serotonin in the body. Basking in the sunlight can absolutely improve your mood and also soothe muscle aches. It is good to note that by increasing the level of serotonin in your body, you are setting good grounds for addiction treatment and recovery. However, these problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Foods That Raise Serotonin Level

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