Tag Archives: Substance dependence

Addiction Energy is it Positive or Negative Energy Center!

April 29, 2014

Addiction Energy-Choosing Positive or Negative Centers

Addiction Energy

If it is addiction energy messing up your life you need to worry less and channel your energy into seeking help from the experts

A center is considered integrated when there is a balanced experience of the dualistic qualities of that center. This means we have learned to recognize and accept both the “positive” and “negative” poles of the duality, incorporating them into a basically positive experience. No large amount of avoidance and suppression is occurring, and previously suppressed energies have been cleared. Addiction Energy is a missing element in many drug addiction centers. If we cannot realistically say that we have learned to experience the negative pole in a harmonious way, at least we have learned how to accept it and work with it constructively – for example, through processing.

Addiction Energy-We become addicted to the positive because we are unwilling to face the negative

Un-integrated we become addicted at various levels of experience. We become addicted to the “positive” side of any one dualistic experience because we are not willing to face the “negative” side of its duality. We seek to escape to the positive side, often not even realizing that both sides are dependent on one another for their existence. Addicted Energy is dual in nature, we need to become more aware of the duality of Addiction Energy.

However, because of the nature of dualism, the more we try to experience the positive, the more we also generate the negative. We become frustrated. We attempt to suppress the intensifying negative with more experiences of the positive, and the Addiction Energy cycle builds. Addiction can occur not only at the Sensation or Nurturing levels, where it is normally recognized, but in all centers. We develop a deep hunger for a particular need, but no matter what we do to try to satisfy the hunger, it remains or even becomes worse. Addictive behavior is also known as “compulsive.”

Addiction Energy-Addiction requires psychic energy

Each addiction can be related to a certain center of consciousness. Addiction is the result of an Addiction Energy imbalance in that particular center. The center is blocked and does not experience the normal energy flow of a healthy center. The center is blocked because of our suppression. Through the avoidance of feelings in the center, we create the block. To maintain the block requires energy, energy the addiction supplies. All addiction provides an extra supply of energy, taken either from external sources or from the body’s internal reserves. So to better treat addiction we need to understand the Addiction Energy.

The cravings that arise for a particular object of addiction are learned. Through experience, we learn that energy can be obtained from a certain source and used to maintain the block. When the block begins to weaken, because the suppressing energy is getting low, we begin to get glimpses of exactly what we are suppressing, and we experience discomfort, anxiety, depression, and so on. We then seek the addictive experience once more, to gain the energy required to maintain the block to the feelings. The feelings are re-suppressed, over and over. Because the suppressed feelings will continue to build, the suppressing energy also must keep increasing, resulting in the extraordinary means that must be used to provide the energy. We enter the expanding cycle of addiction.

Usually we are addicted to a center’s complement to the negative experience. However, we also can escape to another, usually higher, center and draw energy from there. The higher center will suppress the pain of the lower center. Thus, if we experience anxiety from an un-integrated Survival center, we could attempt to suppress it by becoming compulsively addicted to wealth and security, but we also could suppress it by compulsive seeking in any higher center, such as sex, power, love, even creativity.

Addiction Energy-Breaking Addiction

This is most difficult for many addicts, funnily enough addicts do appreciate that they have a problem but many times it just end there. Taking the next step always becomes a problem. It is therefore necessary for addicts to know that the first step in breaking addiction after acknowledging that you’re addicted is to understand how it works. When you know why you act compulsively, you weaken the power of the addiction greatly. You must stop yielding to the addictive experience. Process the addictive urge as well as the feeling that you are suppressing with the addiction. Self-processing can be the main approach because it is individualized and easy to own. Nevertheless we have some other approaches, such as therapy, group support, or medical support in cases of chemical dependency which are equally helpful and can help you make meaningful progress towards getting well.

When you confront feelings related to addiction, you meet your demon (addiction) head on. By doing these you must realize that you are clearing all accumulated negativity in your system; all you need to do is to proceed patiently and gently as well as sensibly as you can. You must not demand too much of yourself, nor should you yield too easily. The delicate balance, the sense of making steady progress, must be established. As you learn how to work on yourself, you will acquire new tools that will help you tremendously. You will be able to cleanse negativity that previously compelled you to act in addictive ways.

In conclusion dear reader, you know the kind of center of addiction you may be suffering from or that of your loved one. Reading and doing nothing would be a great disservice for you and to your loved ones. You can impact positively by seeking the help of experts in this line. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury who is the founder and MD of the facility, you will meet a team of professionals who will care for you and administer treatment to you while putting emphasis on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Besides being the founder of this facility, she is also offering treatment to other physicians and health care professionals globally through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. Any qualified professional can now be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment. Remember you can only live this life once and you can’t afford to let this opportunity slip away. Grub it and live your life to the fullest.

Addiction Energy-Choosing Positive or Negative Centers

 

 

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Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction

April 28, 2014

Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction-Drug and Alcohol Addiction Wreak Havoc

Immune System to heal addiction

Immune system is an asset to keep by eating healthy food and physical activities. This will also help heal addiction

The body of a human being is a compound of many vital organs performing different functions that help keep the body well and healthy. The success of these functions is normally based on the total elimination of any substance that may work against these functions. When the body is functioning well we say the immunity system is strong. So what is immunity? It is the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells. We need to restore our immune system to heal addiction. The white blood cells are the defenders of the body from attacks by diseases however substance which weakens the body’s immunity does so by attacking the white blood cell. We will through this article be discussing majorly the proper healing of addiction through the restoration of immune system.

Your immune system is like a finely tuned orchestra whose purpose is to defend your body from unhealthy insults from the world around you. Like an orchestra, your immune system contains many different instruments that work harmoniously together with one goal, protecting you from foreign insults that can cause damage to your body. And, like an orchestra, the different parts of your immune system must be present to play their part at the right time, and then stop when they have completed their function. The main parts of your immune system to heal addiction are the immune cells, the structural barriers in your body in which the majority of these cells are localized, and the specific messenger molecules that call the cells to action or tell them to stop.

The cells of your immune system are found circulating in your bloodstream or in the lymph nodes, which are located throughout your body; therefore, the immune cells themselves are spread throughout your tissues and can travel quickly when called upon. This way, your immune system is positioned so that it can minimize the entrance into your body of foreign invaders that can cause infection and disease and can quickly respond to any invaders that do manage to gain entrance into your body.

Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction-The foundation for defense

Your immune system also relies upon specific structures in your body that provide a foundation for defense. The most important structures are the barriers between the inside of your body and the outside. These barriers keep unwanted organisms and molecules from entering your body where they can do damage. Since your skin is in contact with the outside world, it is probably not surprising that your skin is an important barrier; however, it is only one part of your defensive barrier. Your gastrointestinal tract is actually the largest barrier between you and the outside world. Restore your gut and your immune system to heal addiction.

Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction -The soluble factors

Your immune system also includes molecules called soluble factors. These are molecules that can recognize when your barrier has been compromised by a foreign invader or toxin and then try to heal the area of damage and remove the insult from your body rapidly. Factors such as the complement cascade, a complex group of proteins, can form an immediate response to an insult. Your immune system also can deploy signaling molecules, which are soluble factors that send messages to the immune cells located further inside the tissue that has been compromised, or into your bloodstream. These messenger soluble factors call immune cells to the site of damage and activate the cells, bringing them in full force to the infected area. These messenger molecules are called cytokines. So we need to restore our immune system to heal addiction.

Your cytokines not only signal immune cells to take up action, but they also often promote an inflammatory response. The inflammatory response at a site of infection is one way your body secludes, or walls-off, an infected area. For example, if you have ever had poison ivy, or gotten a rash from eating a food to which you are allergic, you may have noticed the signs of inflammation — redness and swelling — surrounding the affected area. So, when we talk about the immune system, it is not one organ; it is really the types of immune cells, structures, and soluble factors, like cytokines, which are present throughout all your organs that constitute the immune system. And, your immune system gets help from your inflammatory response.

Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction -Addictive substances

Having understood the proper functionality of our immune system it will be necessary that we take a moment and look at some of these substances that work against the well-being of the body and causes addiction. While there are some serious consequences, the impact substances have on the body can extend much further. Consider how these illicit substances commonly associated with addiction can impair health of regular users:

Cocaine

From a basic standpoint, those sniffing cocaine on a regular basis will likely cause severe damage to their sinus cavities. This repetitive aggravation can heighten risk of developing cold or other circulatory issues. While seemingly minor, these health issues can be indicative of a much larger loss of strong immune response. A 2003 study found that cocaine use can limit the production of IL-6 cytokines, a “hormone of the immune system” that plays a major part in prompting recovery when the body is damaged. We should avoid cocaine to restore the immune system to heal addiction.

Opioids

Opioids that come in the form of prescription drugs are commonly marketed as medications tailored to help improve the health of patients experiencing chronic pain. While these pills may be able to relieve pain under strict use, these medications are highly addictive and can lead patients to use them on a regular basis. Regular use of opioids can impair daily function a great deal, but what many may not notice is a progressive decline in immune response. Therefore we need to stop opioid use to restore the immune system and heal addiction.

Alcohol

This is the most abused addictive drug globally and we are all aware of the dramatic health consequences of drinking even in non-alcoholic scenarios. For instance, drinking is often identified with the unpleasant side effects of nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, impaired movement and headache. However, those who abuse alcohol regularly or binge drink could be doing a great deal of harm to their immune system.

Noting that many alcoholics struggle with binge-drinking, it is important to learn what long-term damage is being done to the body beyond blacking out. Exhaustion as a result of binging on drugs or alcohol can be a significant cause of illness. When a person binge drinks, they may cause their body to go into toxic shock from the large amount of alcohol in their bloodstream.

Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction -Healing the Immune System

From this discussion it’s clear that immune system does a lot for us to keep us as healthy as possible, but in order to be in our best state, it is imperative that we do everything we can to protect and heal our immune system, in other words the restoration of immune system to heal addiction is a must. While enrolling in an addiction recovery can be a great way to spark this healing process and create a healthier and brighter future, the choice of the expert and facility can be a challenge to many. As for you my dear reader this won’t be a problem because you have doctor Dalal Akoury the founder and MD of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. At her center you will be attended by highly qualified and caring professionals 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. It will not matter the problem you have whether you are an addict or your immune system is the problem, this is the place to be and you will have your life back. Restore the immune system to heal addiction cannot be easier here at AWAREmed.

Restoration of Immune System to heal addiction -Drug and Alcohol Addiction Wreak Havoc

 

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Prefrontal cortex in addiction: The Executive Brain

April 5, 2014

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Effect of Right and Left PFC

The Prefrontal cortex in addiction

Studies around problems in the brains prefrontal cortex have been associated with Impulsive action; a trait of addictive behavior.

The prefrontal cortex in addiction (PFC) is that portion of the brain located in the very front of the brain, just behind the forehead. It’s in charge of abstract thinking and thought analysis it is also responsible for regulating behavior. This includes mediating conflicting thoughts, making choices between right and wrong, and predicting the possible outcomes of actions or events. This brain area also governs social control, such as suppressing emotional or sexual urges. Since the prefrontal cortex is the brain center responsible for taking in data through the body’s senses and deciding on actions, it is most strongly implicated in human qualities like consciousness, general intelligence, and personality

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Function

This vital region of the brain regulates thought in terms of both short-term and long-term decision making. It allows humans to plan ahead and create strategies, and also to adjust actions or reactions in changing situations. Additionally, the PFC helps to focus thoughts, which enables people to pay attention, learn, and concentrate on goals. This area is also the part of the brain that allows humans to consider several different yet related lines of thinking when learning or evaluating complex concepts or tasks. The prefrontal cortex in addiction also houses active, working memory.

The Prefrontal Cortex in Addiction

Chemical addiction is classified as a mental illness, such that addiction changes the brain in fundamental ways. An addiction disturbs a person’s normal hierarchy of needs and desires and substitutes new priorities connected with using drugs or alcohol. The resulting compulsive behaviors that override the ability to control impulses despite the consequences are similar to hallmarks of other mental illnesses.

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Signs of Prefrontal Cortex Damage

  • Studies around problems in the brains prefrontal cortex have been associated with Impulsive action; a trait of addictive behavior.
  • Lack of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex is also associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
  • Lack of serotonin is a common problem with juveniles who lash out.

Some believe that impulsive behavior says more about an addicts approach to their addiction rather than the addiction itself. If one asked, “Why would anyone use drugs knowing that they lead to suffering?”  The impulsiveness argument is a good answer, because it suggests that the thinking person is not in control, which reinforces the argument that the addict is powerless.

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Signs of Addictive Behavior
  • Addicts differ in their capacity to exercise judgment and inhibit impulses.
  • The brain’s prefrontal cortex helps to determine 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 functioning properly, an addictive drug has more power to monopolize the reward circuit.
Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Depression

Though depression involves an overall reduction in brain activity, some parts of the brain are more affected than others. In brain-imaging studies using PET scans, depressed people display abnormally low activity in the prefrontal cortex in addiction, and more specifically in its lateral, orbitofrontal, and ventromedial regions. And the severity of the depression often correlates with the extent of the decline in activity in the prefrontal cortex.

  1. Orbitofrontal cortex
  2. Lateral prefrontal cortex
  3. Ventromedial cortex
  4. Limbic system

The prefrontal cortex in addiction is known not only to be involved in emotional responses, but also to have numerous connections with other parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, three neurotransmitters that are important in mood regulation. More specifically, the lateral prefrontal cortex seems to help us choose a course of behavior by letting us assess the various alternatives mentally. The orbitofrontal cortex seems to let us defer certain immediate gratifications and suppress certain emotions in order to obtain greater long-term benefits. And the ventromedial cortex is thought to be one of the sites in the brain where we experience emotions and the meanings of things.

The two halves of the prefrontal cortex in addiction also seem to have specialized functions, with the left half being involved in establishing positive feelings and the right half in establishing negative ones. And indeed, in depressed people, it is the left prefrontal cortex that shows the greatest signs of weakness. In other words, when people are depressed, they find it very hard not only to set goals in order to obtain rewards, but also to believe that such goals can be achieved.

In healthy people, the left prefrontal cortex might also help to inhibit the negative emotions generated by limbic structures such as the amygdalae, which show abnormally high activity in depressed patients. In patients who respond positively to antidepressants, this over activity is reduced. And when the amygdalae remain highly hyperactive despite antidepressant treatment, the likelihood of a patient’s relapsing into depression is high.

It is also interesting to note that when someone’s left prefrontal cortex is operating at full capacity, the levels of glucocorticoids in their blood are generally very low. This follows logically, considering the harmful effects that high levels of glucocorticoids have on mood.

Brain-imaging studies have also shown that in patients with severe depression, the volume of the two hippocampi is reduced. This atrophy may be due to a loss of neurons that is also induced by the toxic effects of the high levels of glucocorticoids associated with recurrent episodes of depression. The extent of atrophy in the hippocampus even seems to be proportional to the sum of the durations of the episodes of depression, and depressions that are treated rapidly do not seem to lead to this reduction in hippocampal volume

Prefrontal cortex in addiction-Effect of Right and Left PFC

 

 

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Neuroendocrine Restoration: Overcome addiction through Neuroendocrine

April 5, 2014

Overcome addiction through Neuroendocrine-Restoration of neuroendocrine system

Neuroendocrine system

Neuroendocrine

Restoration of neuroendocrine system helps over come addiction and stress.

The neuroendocrine system is made up of a network of cells that are distributed throughout the body. The word neuroendocrine refers to 2 qualities of these cells: they have a similar structure to nerve cells (neurons) and produce hormones like endocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells release hormones into the bloodstream in response to chemical signals from other cells or messages from the nervous system. These hormones work like neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by a nerve cell to transmit signals or impulses from one nerve cell to another nerve cell or other specialized cells.

Structure

The neuroendocrine system is formed by the diffuse neuroendocrine system and the endocrine system. It is made up of cells that produce and release hormones.

Overcome addiction through Neuroendocrine-Diffuse neuroendocrine system

The diffuse neuroendocrine system is made up of neuroendocrine cells scattered throughout the body.

  • Neuroendocrine cells in the digestive system regulate intestinal movements and the release of digestive enzymes.
  • Neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory system are believed to play a role in the developmental stages of the respiratory organs. They also regulate respiratory function.
  • There are small neuroendocrine organs, known as paraganglia, along the spinal column. They include the adrenal medulla inside the adrenal gland and paraganglia outside the adrenal gland. They produce the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones control blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Neuroendocrine cells are also found in non-neuroendocrine glands and are scattered in the skin, thymus, prostate and other tissues.

Overcome addiction through Neuroendocrine-Endocrine system

The endocrine system is formed by the endocrine glands, which are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood or lymph fluid. The actions of these hormones vary according to the gland and specific type of hormone produced.

The endocrine system is made up of pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, pancreatic islet cells (also known as islets of Langerhans) and the ovaries or testicles.

  • The pituitary, pineal and parathyroid glands are neuroendocrine glands.
  • The thyroid gland is not a neuroendocrine gland, but it contains scattered neuroendocrine cells known as C cells.
  • The adrenal glands are made up of a non-neuroendocrine area called the cortex, and a central neuroendocrine gland called the medulla.
  • The pancreas is an exocrine gland, but contains scattered groups of neuroendocrine cells called pancreatic islets.
  • The ovaries and testicles are not neuroendocrine glands, but contain scattered neuroendocrine cells.

Overcome addiction through Neuroendocrine-Function

Neuroendocrine cells are highly specialized nerve-like cells that release hormones in response to a neurological or chemical signal. The hormones released by the cells enter the blood and travel throughout the body to reach their target cells. Each type of hormone binds to a specific receptor on the target cell. The target cell responds to this hormone by changing specific cellular functions, such as metabolism, growth and reproduction. Complex feedback mechanisms involving the nervous system, endocrine system and diffuse neuroendocrine system control the levels of hormones in the body.

Examples of hormones and their action include:

  • Insulin is produced by the pancreatic islet cells. It reduces the sugar levels in the body when they are too high. (Hypoglycemia is too little sugar in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia is too much sugar in the bloodstream.)
  • Serotonin is released by the neuroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract. It regulates intestinal movement.
  • Growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland. It stimulates growth of bone and tissue.

It therefore explains why it is important to have a properly functioning neuroendocrine system and if it’s not then a speedy restoration needs to be done for proper control of addiction.
Food, drugs or alcohol or any other substance does not matter.  Addictions can be successfully treated.  And addicts need to be completely treated because despite the feeling that they may be in, some way helping, the truth is, they simply get in our way and need to be pushed aside.  But how do we push them aside? If the complex neuroendocrine systems of the body are well balanced, a state of well-being or fulfillment will be achieved.  If we feel fulfilled and live with a sense of well-being we will adopt behavior patterns which are in sync with internal state.  Addictions will not get in our way and we will achieve growth.

However, if the nervous system is in disequilibrium, especially as it is always when addictions are involved, the resulting loss of fulfillment prompts the desire to restore an experience of greater well-being or happiness.  Chemical dependency represents maladaptive behavior which may arise in a misguided effort to restore well-being. In other words when you take that substance be it alcohol, a drug, or an over-indulgence of food, in order to make yourself feel better. You should know that the substance will only give you a temporary feeling of well-being and happiness by confusing the real problem, you may feel better during the time when the

Substance is in your system but as soon as it is over you pick the Pease’s from where you left.  In other words it is never helpful and does not give lasting fulfillment and well-being, and, in fact, guilt and remorse often follow the addictive behavior.

The mind-body is one seamless energetic system.  Since the mind-body is a whole, any attempt to use will power alone to cure addiction can be a difficult exercise.  Because the neuroendocrine system is out of balance, cravings for the substance become exceedingly powerful and difficult to overcome. It has been said that only a new seed can create a new crop and if you are struggling with addiction I strongly suggest that you work on the restoration of your neuroendocrine system by visiting 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. With us you will get your life back and live it to the fullest.

Overcome addiction through Neuroendocrine-Restoration of neuroendocrine system

 

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Food addiction

February 26, 2014

Food addiction-Fighting food addiction

food addiction

food especially sugar is becoming the biggest luring substance to food addiction

There is one common addiction for all mankind, we are all in one way or the other addicted to food. Visualize how it feels like when you aren’t able to eat. You will probably start to crave for food, and become more physically and emotionally uncomfortable. The longer the cravings go on for, until eating becomes the most important thing for you to do. This is the constant experience of people struggling with food addiction, even if they have plenty to eat.

However food is essential to survival, and unlike other addictive behaviors, it is normal to eat repeatedly every day, and to look forward to eating for pleasure. But several characteristics separate normal or occasional binge eating from a food addiction.

The first point, food addiction is maladaptive, so although people overeat to feel better, it often ends up making them feel worse, and gives those more to feel back about. Food addiction can threaten health, causing obesity, malnutrition, and other problems.

The second point, the overeating that people with food addiction do is persistent, so a person addicted to food eats too much food and most of the time it’s the wrong kinds of food taken repeatedly. Everybody overeat from time to time, but people with food addiction often overeat daily, and they eat not because they are hungry, but as their main way of coping with stress.

The Controversy of Food Addiction

As behavioral addictions, the concept of food addiction is a controversial one. Opinions differs between those who think that overeating can be a type of addiction, and those who think that true addictions are limited to psychoactive substances which produces symptoms such as physical and withdrawal. Although this has been demonstrated in research with sugar and fat (the two most common obesity-causing constituents of food), and other studies show that food produces opiates in the body, many think that this does not necessarily constitute an addiction.

However, the growing epidemic of obesity over the past years has raised public health concern. In almost all US states, one in five adults are obese. Childhood obesity was ranked as the top health concern for children in 2008, higher than either drug abuse, rated second, or smoking rated third, both of which were ahead of obesity in 2007.

This concern, along with effective treatments for addictions, which are being successfully applied to more and more problematic behaviors, is contributing to a movement towards understanding over-eating, and the consequences of obesity and related health problems, in terms of addiction.

Food addiction is now included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), named as Binge Eating Disorder, and categorized with the Eating Disorders. Excessive eating is also a characteristic of another eating disorders outlined in the DSM, known as Bulimia Nervosa. Some controversy remains over whether eating disorders are actually addictions, but many experts believe that they are.

Food Addiction like Other Addictions

There are several similarities between food addiction and drug addiction, including effects on mood, external cues to eat or use drugs, expectancies, restraint, ambivalence, and attribution.

Neurotransmitters and the brain’s reward system have been implicated in food and other addictions. In animal studies, for example, dopamine has been found to play an important role in overall reward systems, and binging on sugar has been shown to influence dopamine activity.

Food, drugs and other addictive substances and behaviors are all associated with pleasure, hedonism, and social, cultural or sub-cultural desirability. When advertising or the people around us tell us that a food, drug or activity will feel good, it sets up a self-fulfilling prophecy. We are more likely to seek it out, and we are more likely to experience pleasure when we indulge.

Food addiction and Mental Health

Similarities between food addiction and other addictions suggest a universal process underlying food and other addictions. Some experts go further, theorizing that overlaps, similarities, and co-occurrences of mental health problems, including addictions, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders, and the phenomenon of a new addiction or mental health problem developing when an old addiction is treated, indicate that they are expressions of related underlying pathologies. It has been argued that viewing these conditions separately hinders the development of a comprehensive view of addictions.

In the study involving 39 healthy women with different weights from lean to overweight or obese, the participants were asked to complete the Yale Food Addiction Scale, which tests for signs of food addiction. Women with full-fledged eating disorders of any type were not included in the study.

Then, using fMRI, researchers led by Yale’s Ashley Gearhardt and Kelly Brownell looked at the women’s brain activity in response to food. In one task, the women were asked to look at pictures of either a luscious chocolate shake or a bland, no-calorie solution. For another brain-scan task, women actually drank the shake made with four scoops of vanilla Häagen-Dazs ice cream, 2% milk and 2 tablespoons of Hershey’s chocolate syrup or the no-calorie control solution, which was designed to be as flavorless as possible (water couldn’t be used because it actually activates taste receptors).

The scientists found that when viewing images of ice cream, the women who had three or more symptoms of food addiction things like frequently worrying about overeating, eating to the point of feeling sick and difficulty functioning due to attempts to control overeating or overeating itself showed more brain activity in regions involved with pleasure and craving than women who had one or no such symptoms.

These areas included the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex and medial orbitofrontal cortex — the same regions that light up in drug addicts who are shown images of drug paraphernalia or drugs.

Similar to people suffering from substance abuse, the food-addicted participants also showed reduced activity in brain regions involved with self-control (the lateral orbitofrontal cortex), when they actually ate the ice cream.

In other words, women with symptoms of food addiction had higher expectations that a chocolate shake would be yummy and pleasurable when they anticipated eating it, and they were less able to stop eating it once they started.

Interestingly, however, unlike drug addicts, the participants with more signs of food addiction did not show a decrease in activity in pleasure-related regions of the brain when they actually ate the ice cream. People with drug addictions tend to derive less and less pleasure from drug use over time — they want drugs more but enjoy them less, creating compulsive behavior. But it’s possible that this tolerance may be seen only in serious addictions, not in people with just a few symptoms.

Notably, the study also found that food addiction symptoms and brain responses to food were not associated with weight: there were some overweight women who showed no food addiction symptoms, and some normal-weight women who did.

That’s why addictions aren’t simple: they involve variations not only in levels of desire, but also in levels of ability to control that desire. And these factors may change in relation to social situations and stress.

Neither heroin nor Häagen-Dazs leads to addiction in the majority of users, and yet there are certain situations that may prompt binges in people who otherwise have high levels of self-control. So the answers to addiction may lie not in the substances themselves, but in the relationship people have with them and the settings in which they are consumed.

Food addiction-Fighting food addiction

 

 

 

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