Tag Archives: Neurotransmitter

Restoring Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Abuse

January 19, 2015

How to Naturally Increase Dopamine and Serotonin Depleted By Opioid Abuse

SerotoninOpiates are fancied for their euphoric feelings; they affect the normal production of brain chemicals. At the beginning they may induce a sudden hike in the production of feel good brain chemicals, however when you have used the drugs for some time they will lead to depletion in the levels of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. In the brain the production of neurotransmitter happens naturally without intervention of any other drug. These basic neurotransmitters include; dopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine. The body also produces other chemicals known as endorphins which work as the body’s own opiates functioning to fight pain naturally.

These neurotransmitters have specific functions that they accomplish in the body. Each function is important and works in conjunction with the functions of the other neurotransmitters to make life what it ought to be. These functions are; Serotonin regulates sleep and appetite, Acetylcholine for processing information and memory, GABA acts as your calming neurotransmitter while dopamine is the feel good chemical, plays an important role in mood, energy, attitude, motivation.

When you use these drugs of pleasure thy hike the levels of dopamine in the brain beyond the accepted levels. This will force the brain to find a means by which to suppress the production of the neurotransmitter that has been hiked by drug use. naturally, the production of dopamine will be reduced by the brain after sensing that the hike in the levels of dopamine is caused by factors out of the body, therefore when a person who has been using drugs stops using them, the levels of dopamine and serotonin will be too low below the normal levels and this beckons such feelings of depression, anxiety, nervousness and lack of interest in everything.

Some natural ways to increase dopamine after opiates use

Healthy Eating– good nutrition goes a long way in increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine. you can eat the following foods to help you in this noble cause; foods rich in carbohydrates, vegetables, whole grains, whole grain pasta, rice, broccoli, spinach, lettuce among other healthy foods. Eating fat processed foods will do the opposite. You may also eat sweet foods like chocolate, only a couple squares of good quality chocolate with a high percentage of Cocoa in it can raise these chemicals. Serotonin is naturally occurring in foods like pineapples, bananas, nuts and plums. You can also get an adequate supply of B vitamins, folic acid and vitamin C because these vitamins play a role in transmitting brain chemicals. Spicy foods like chili peppers and jalapenos. The heat triggers the release of endorphins, so the spicier the better. You may get help from a nutritionist who may give you a list of foods that may be of benefit.

Meditation- through meditation the fatigue in the nervous system is mitigated and so their performance is enhanced. Doing meditation right helps in production of serotonin and endorphins at required levels. At AWAREmed Dr. Dalal Akoury will help you achieve this.

Herbal supplements – Some herbs like St John’s Wort, 5-HTP and L Tyrosine can all increase serotonin and dopamine in the brain, thus easing withdrawal symptoms and shortening withdrawal duration after use of opiates.

Exercise – The benefits of exercise has been echoed by many doctors. It has been applauded as one of the best natural ways to produce serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. However, vigorous exercise is recommended over light exercise that most people seem to enjoy. This is because the stronger the physical demand you place on your body, the greater the release of endorphins. You should try weight training and high and low intensity exercises. Hit the gym and reap big.

Music – Music is good for emotional relief and energy. A person who is suffering from opiate withdrawal symptoms is more sensitive to touch and sound. Listening to good music can help his body to get the brain chemicals work again and boost his moods. Even with different tastes music therapy offers a natural relief from opiate withdrawal.

Sex – sex is helps in boosting the endorphins. A long session can dramatically increase endorphins. When you’re in withdrawal sex can be a very nice escape.

Acupuncture – acupuncture increases circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. If you haven’t looked into acupuncture while in withdrawal you might want to try it out, it can be very helpful during healing.

Massage – During a massage the release of endorphins get stimulated. Massaging your own scalp and shower massager’s can provide an affordable alternative to expensive treatments. Massage therapy has been used for centuries to help heal certain diseases and its application here may really help you.

SerotoninLaughter – Laughter is a good way to release endorphins naturally. By Watching a good comedy movie or have a laugh with friends you will stimulate the release endorphins which are helpful in the long run.

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. In case there is no sunshine you may use tanning beds which may also help greatly.

There might be other ways of improving the production of these crucial neurotransmitters in the body. But these natural ways above are simple and inexpensive and so can apply to anyone. The bottom line is that by boosting the production of these neurotransmitters you will make it easier for yourself to recover from opiate addiction. 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.

How to Naturally Increase Dopamine and Serotonin Depleted By Opioid Abuse

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Amino Acids Therapy Used For Addiction Treatment

October 27, 2014

Intravenous Amino Acids Detoxification as Used in Addiction Therapy

Amino acid

Amino AcidS

Amino acids play a very important role in the body. The amino acids are the building blocks of proteins while proteins are essentials in building and repairing all body tissues. Therefore, the amino acids can be effectively used in detoxifying the brain and the neurotransmitters that are often affected by alcohol and other substance abuse. Addiction can be treated with the amino acids detox therapy.

The use of amino acid for detox was first thought of by an American doctor. His thought was to investigate on how the amino acids could be used in maintaining or achieving neurotransmitter balance in the brain in those who had suffered or were still suffering from mental disorders. One of the major effects of alcohol and substance abuse is that they cause an imbalance on neurotransmitters. This imbalance can be rectified by intravenous amino acid therapy.

Alcohol and drugs of addiction when used for a time will alter the balance between the neurotransmitters this is because the balance of the neurotransmitters in the brain is very delicate. Neurotransmitters are those chemicals that carry electrical impulses throughout the brain, and the central nervous system. When this delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain is altered, the brain functions that depend on impulses from these neurotransmitters will be altered. At some point there will be dependence on substances that cause the imbalance for brain to continue functioning. It is therefore not very logical to begin fighting addiction in a patient without detoxing the brain in order to achieve this balance between the neurotransmitters in the brain.

The role of amino acids in the brain is vital and that is why it is believed by many doctors that an imbalance in amino acids is a leading contributor to substance abuse and eventual addiction. In most cases the imbalance in amino acids is as a result of use of drugs of abuse and /or alcohol. In such cases, greater volumes of alcohol or drugs gradually result in a greater imbalance in neurotransmitters. To achieve the euphoric effects an addict will need to use more of the drugs and this leads to increase in dosages of the drugs that addict takes and this is known as tolerance.

Intravenous Amino Acids Is Safe

In most instances, an addict will suffer some side effects during detoxification. This is because of the imbalance in neurotransmitters. Even as the detoxification process continues the addict will have to deal with intense cravings for the substance of abuse. By using intravenous amino acid during detoxification the side effects are mitigated plus the cravings also stops since the intravenous amino acids will feed the brain what it seeks from the drug. In some cases during detoxification the cravings will increase even after the detoxification process is completed. When Amino Acids are used in the process, all will be safe since it will fight the craving for the drugs by restoring the imbalance in the neurotransmitters more efficiently. This occurs because of the side effects of drug and alcohol use. Unlike the use of other pharmaceutical drugs that are used in fighting addiction, intravenous amino acids do not cause withdrawal symptoms to addicts who are were using it.

Amino acids in therapy can help a recovering addict since the neurotransmitters of the addict will be supplied with amino acids intravenously therefore restoring the balance in the brain. During this process the intravenous amino acids may be accompanied by essential minerals and vitamins that will be of help to the addict. The use of amino acids in detoxification for addiction is not a new phenomenon as it has been used in the United States and the United Kingdom. It was used in helping opiate and alcohol addicts, in 80 percent of the cases it was used successfully.

DETOX WITH AMINO ACIDS

DETOX WITH AMINO ACIDS

Any addict who tries to stop using a drug will automatically suffer the withdrawal symptoms. When withdrawal begins, the intravenous solution which is composed of amino acids and other important minerals & vitamins is sent through the veins and directly to the brain. Feeding the brain directly stimulates it to rebalance itself. As withdrawal occurs the amino acids are building blocks and when they are mixed in right proportions with the minerals and vitamins the body will be vitalized to naturally fight addictive substances and balance itself.

Drug Addiction is should be treated personally for the patient that is suffering, that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. It does not matter what kind of addiction you are wrestling with right now, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Intravenous Amino Acids Detoxification As Used In Addiction Therapy

 

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Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

October 3, 2014

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and How to Help the Patient

BenzodiazepineThe use of any other drug of abuse comes with some of the most undesired side effects. Before we go deep into this topic we should have at least a basic understanding of these terms.

Withdrawal- This term may have different meanings but to many it is associated with getting money from your bank account. That is right but here it means something completely different. Withdrawal in relation to drugs is a term that refers to the feelings of discomfort, distress, and uncontrolled desire for a substance that takes place when a person stops using the substance. For there to be withdrawal, a person must have used a certain substance for quite a good time that his entire body had become adapted to the substance. When a person has used a certain substance for a long time his body may become dependent on the substance to accomplish some critical functions of the body. When a body is metabolically adapted to the use of a certain drug, when a person stops using that drug he will suffer some defects. He will have physical symptoms of withdrawal and these may differ in severity. Some may be mild and flu like while some symptoms of withdrawal might be so severe and life threatening.

What is Benzodiazepine?

Benzodiazepine’s  parent compound of several psychoactive drugs (e.g. nitrazepam, temazepam and diazepam) used as anxiolytics,sedatives and hypnotics; they do not specifically contraindicate local anaesthetics, but as they can cause drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthria andimpaired consciousness, their concomitant use could mask early signs of toxic effects of local anesthetics.

This drug was used in clinics mostly as a tranquilizer. However this drug has potential to be abused. These medicines should be used in a hospital setting or better yet with directions from a physician. However other people are using these drugs for their sedative and intoxicating purposes. Benzodiazepine are addictive drugs and when a person uses them for so long he may reach dependence, it is attempts to stop using these drugs after dependence that results in withdrawal. Just like with any other drug of abuse physical symptoms of withdrawal will appear when you stop using Benzodiazepine after using it for quite along time. There are myriads of symptoms that occur while you stop using these drugs but for this article we will handle just a few.

Some of the Withdrawal symptoms when one stops using Benzodiazepine

Seizure

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However a people who have epilepsy are often considered having a seizure disorder this will require medication. Other factors that may cause seizures are low blood sugar level which is common in diabetic patients. Patients suffering from meningitis often suffer seizures as well. However using some drugs may lead to some dependence of brain cells on the drugs so much that when a person stops using the drugs then it may beckon abnormal electrical activity in the brain thereby causing seizures.

The outward effect of seizures can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness (absence seizure) in this state the patient may lay flat without even moving an inch.

Rebound Anxiety

When a person suffers anxiety disorders and walks into the hospital, the most likely drug that he will be prescribed will be the benzodiazepine. These drugs are known to work well in addressing anxiety disorders however these drugs have a share of the darker world too. They have other side effects that are quite serious. One of these serious side effects includes the rebound effect. When these drugs were used to cure anxiety disorders and then stopped the patient will become even more anxious which may in itself lead to even more problems. The disadvantage of using these drugs for anxiety is that you will become dependent on them so much as to cause rebound anxiety.

Insomnia

Typically insomnia is the lack of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom of a disease and not a disease in itself. Insomnia is often defined as inability to either initiate or maintain sleep or both. For anybody to have a sound sleep there are hormones that work. These hormones are subject to drug activities and this explains why Benzodiazepine may cause insomnia.

Intravenous Amino Acid Therapy for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

What happens during addiction is that Neurotransmitters are damaged. There is need to restore the neurotransmitters if the normal functions of the body are to be reached. One fact however is that these neurotransmitters are made from amino acids and these amino acids control nearly every aspect of the neurotransmitters. Dependence or addiction on benzodiazepine destroys these neurotransmitters hence to help person overcome cravings for more of benzodiazepine among other withdrawal symptoms there is need to restore the neurotransmitters. Amino acid can be given intravenously to the patient, this is effective as IV delivery bypasses the digestive system hence effective in restoring the neurotransmitters. IV delivery of the amino acids helps even patients whose digestive systems have been affected by addiction to drugs, alcohol and other substances.

NAD and Intravenous Amino Acid Therapy for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

BenzodiazepineNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme derivative of vitamin B3 – otherwise known as niacin. This coenzyme is found in all living cells. It is a key metabolism agent as well as many other basic cellular processes. Addicts are often low in energy and because NAD is essential in energy production its supplementation can be of benefit to the addicts. When used in mega doses it helps in making detoxification more rapid. It is given in IV form to reduce the cravings for addictive substances in addicts without exploring replacement therapies. This method of treatment has been used for quite a good time and has been very successful especially on those addicted to prescription drugs like opiates, benzodiazepines and even on cocaine, alcohol and other drugs.

Drug Addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. It does not matter what kind of addiction you are wrestling with right now, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and How to Help the Patient

 

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Sex Hormones Depression: Restoring sex Hormones cures it.

September 29, 2014

Sex Hormones Depression; Neurotransmitters: Depression, Anxiety

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex hormones Depression is real. There is a clear relationship between sex hormones and mood disorders in human beings. But before we delve into the topic, it is important to highlight the definition of a few basic terms at this pointSex hormones Depression is real.

What are Hormones?

Basically, a hormone is a special biochemical compound in the body that is secreted by specialized glands and used to perform specific functions. Hormones can be produced either by specialized cells within the brain or by the cells of specialized glands which are located at specific points within the body.

For hormones to work efficiently, they depend on the activity of special cells that are able to respond to their signals. These cells are known as receptors. What happens is that many different organs and tissues of the body have specific types of receptors for specific hormones. Therefore, a particular hormone is able to affect an organ that has receptors that match it.

Therefore, when hormones are produced, they are able to travel throughout the body via the normal body circulatory systems. However, they only affect specific organs in the body, those that have the right receptors. Further, the activity of hormones in the body may be regulated by other hormones. This usually happens in the form of the presence of one hormone either signaling the production or inhibition of another.

What are Neurotransmitters? How do they relate to Sex Hormones Depression?

Neurotransmitters are special biochemical compounds that trigger activity between nerve cells. Seen as messengers, neurotransmitters function by linking activity between two nerve cells: the one that is producing it and a different nerve or brain cell.

Hormones have been known to act in a manner similar to that of neurotransmitters, thus affecting the mood of individuals. Although there are many different types of hormones, those ones that are related to sex have received a lot of attention in the role that they play in influencing moods, particularly when acting as neurotransmitters. There are different types of sex hormones which include the following: testosterone, estrogen, dopamine and progesterone. Of all these, testosterone and estrogen are the ones that have received a lot of attention with regard to the role that, when acting as neurotransmitters, they play in causing anxiety and depression in individuals. So when Sex Hormones Depression occurs by restoring sex hormones imbalances we may alleviate the symptoms of depression.

How sex hormones depression and anxiety occur?

There are several ways in which different types of sex hormones can be used to help patients with anxiety and depression. We shall look at the most important ones briefly.

Testosterone

First, when the level of testosterone in an individual falls, symptoms such as low energy, lack of vitality and low libido appear. Interestingly, the reverse of this process is also true. When a patient receives a testosterone therapy, there is a sudden increase in energy, vitality and libido. Importantly, depression and anxiety are characterized by low libido and lack of energy. Although these observations are influenced by so many other factors, it can be concluded that testosterone has a role to play in helping male patients who are showing signs of depression and anxiety.

Second, studies indicate that there is an association between low level of testosterone and depression. What this means is that some men who have abnormally low levels of testosterone are prone to depression. These observation leads to the conclusion that testosterone can be used to help male patients suffering from depression.

When used to treat depression in men who have low levels of sex hormones, testosterone has produced mixed results. However, the most important thing to note is that in some cases, the hormone has proven effective in treating depression. This means that it can actually be used to treat depression in men, when applied as a single therapy.

Estrogen

The possible use of estrogen in helping women overcome depression and anxiety can best be understood when one considers the normal cycles in women that characterize its production. Basically, changes in estrogen levels take place in three major phases: before menstruation, during the postpartum period and after the menopause period. In all these phases, hormonal changes in the body of a woman cause erratic changes in the mood. It is common for many women to experience depressive symptoms during all these stages. The severity, and extent of the occurrence, however varies a great deal. Since the mood changes that occur during these periods are usually as a result of hormonal changes, with estrogen being the biggest contributor, it then follows that estrogen and other sex hormones are directly linked to depression. Therefore, they can be used to ease depression symptoms in women.

For women who are past their menopause and are experiencing depression, estrogen has been successfully used to overcome the symptoms of depression. Although there are many other factors that may influence the process, the consensus is that hormone therapy has proven to be an effective method of treating depression in different kinds of patients.

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we keep abreast of all recent developments in the use of hormone therapy to treat depression and anxiety in men and women. Our approach remains highly professional and tailored to your individual needs. Regardless of your specific health need, feel free to contact Dr. Dalal Akoury for a consultation session. You may as well visit us in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to experience our range of healthcare services.

Sex hormones Depression, neurotransmitters, depression and anxiety

 

 

 

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Drugs Can Behave Like Neurotransmitters

September 15, 2014

Drugs Can Mimic Neurotransmitters

neurotransmittersDrugs will automatically interfere with the bodily functions. That is guaranteed. But some drugs do not only alter minor body functions but go a step further in inhibiting the functions of neurotransmitters.  Most of the drugs that can mimic or interfere with the functions of the neurotransmitters in any way are mostly hard and are hence illegal in many parts of the world. The brain is the engine that drives all the body functions. Even as you are reading this article you do not see with your eyes but you see with your brain. It has various mechanisms through which it accomplishes all the functions of the body. Before we learn how the drugs can affect the neuron transmitters it is good to know how they work.

Neurotransmitters are very crucial in the system. They are the chemicals that transmit messages from one nerve cell to another. Nerve cells are known as neurons. The nerve impulse travels from the first nerve cell through the axon, a single smooth body arising from the nerve cell to the axon terminal and the synaptic knobs. Each synaptic knob communicates with a dendrite or cell body of another neuron, and the synaptic knobs contain neurovesicles that store and release neurotransmitters. The synapse lies between the synaptic knob and the next cell. For the impulse to continue traveling across the synapse to reach the next cell, the synaptic knobs release the neurotransmitter into that space, and the next nerve cell is stimulated to pick up the impulse and continue it. An interference with the neurotransmitters can adversely affect the flow of message within the nervous system.

A point to note is that there is neurotransmitter compatibility, that is every transmitter is designed to be bound by a specific receptor. Some drugs are structurally similar to neurotransmitters and hence may be bound by the receptors and hence mimic the functions of the neurotransmitters. The drug will therefore disrupt the functions of the neurotransmitters adversely affecting the whole neuron system. Typically, this is like having an intruder into your personal computer- he will definitely interfere with your programs.

Here are some of the ways through which a drug can interfere with the neurotransmitters functions.

  • Stop the chemical reactions that create neurotransmitters.
  • Empty neurotransmitters from the vesicles where they’re normally stored and protected from breakdown by enzymes.
  • Block neurotransmitters from entering or leaving vesicles.
  • Bind to receptors in place of neurotransmitters.
  • Prevent neurotransmitters from returning to their sending neuron (the reuptake system).
  • Interfere with second messengers, the chemical and electrical changes that take place in a receiving neuron.

Marijuana for example has a compound known as THC which is known to mimic the functions of various neurotransmitters. It mimics the activities of a natural neurotransmitter called anandamide.  Anandamide is an important neurotransmitter as it is charged with the role of boosting memory and learning, reducing pain, and stimulating the appetite.  Anandamide normally works in conjunction with dopamine, and together these neurotransmitters turn on and turn off different chemical pathways as required so as to accomplish certain functions.

The fact THC mimics the Anandamide does not mean that it will work as that natural neural transmitter would. When a person takes marijuana THC binds to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located in several parts of the brain namely, the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These brain areas are responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, problem solving, and unconscious muscle movements. When THC gets itself bound in the cannabinoid receptors, it blocks natural neurotransmitters like anandamide that need to bind to those sites to achieve all their functions. This therefore makes the functions of these neurotransmitters unaccomplished. When THC prevents anadamide from doing its job, the delicate balance between anadamide and dopamine is thrown off and suddenly a person will feel euphoric, off-balance, hyperactive, senseless to pain and unable to retain information.

Nucleus accumbens Reward Mechanism (addiction)

neurotransmitterThe core structures of the brain reward pathway are located in the limbic system. These are a set of primitive structures in the human brain. Typically, the function of the limbic system is to monitor internal homeostasis, mediate memory, mediate learning, and experience emotion.  It also enables important aspects of sexual behavior, motivation, and feeding behaviors. The primary parts of the limbic system include the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, septal nuclei, and anterior cingulate gyrus.  Also important in the function of the limbic system is the limbic striatum, which includes the nucleus accumbens, ventral caudate nucleus and the putamen. The nucleus accumbens, often abbreviated as (NA) has been implicated as an especially important structure of the brain reward pathway because it is targeted by drugs of abuse.

When the brain becomes exposed to a certain drug, it begins relying on self stimulation as opposed to the natural neurotransmitter induced stimulation and this is what causes addiction. Several experiments have been done on animal models by use of electrodes that are placed into the nucleus accumbens under conditions of imposed environmental stress. Through these experiments the dependence on drugs for stimulation in brains exposed to these drugs is seen.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She is also dedicated to offer help to addiction patients. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to fight drug addiction.

Drugs Can Mimic Neurotransmitters

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