Drug addiction is a disease of the brain that affects the
circuits involved in processing punishment and reward....

-- Nora D. Volkow, M.D.
National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2006

Neurotransmitter Re-Balancing

The Science

Did you know that there are more cells in the brain - than there are stars in the universe?

The human brain contains over 100 billion cells, called neurons or a nerve cell that is the basic unit of nerve tissue found in the brain and throughout  body. These cells may become dysfunctional at the genetic level, which may induce addictive behaviors.  Other factors that may also cause neuron damage which is associated with Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder and depression.

Abuse of alcohol and drugs causes severe damage to the brain - damage which can now be "seen" by virtue of photo-imaging.

Scientific research has shown that addiction, withdrawal and recovery are all related to brain chemicals such as the opioid peptides - sequences of amino acid mimicking the effect of opiates (narcotics) in the brain. Stress regulating hormones may also be affected and over time affect memory and can present a predisposition to other pathological diseases and weight gain.

Specific receptors are genetically encoded and made from long chains of amino acids.Knowledge of these receptors has provided the groundwork to address specific neurological damages as well the oxidative damage (lack of oxygen to the cells) that occurs in addiction.

At the Courage to Change Addiction Recovery Ranch, healing begins with targeted oral neuroceuticals - whole food amino acid supplements.  This physio-neurological genetic repair process utilizes specific peptides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and nutrients  designed to rebuild and rejuvenate brain cells.

The Problem

Over the last two decades, our understanding of alcoholism and addiction has expanded exponentially. Research in the fields of Neurology and Genetics -and the emergence of Brain Imaging, which can capture the actual workings of the brain - have all converged to give us a new understanding of human thought and behavior. Its implications for recovery from addiction are profound.

We now know, scientifically and graphically, that the brains of alcoholics and addicts are physiologically different - that they work differently - from "normal" brains.

In neuro-scientific terms,we have discovered that pleasure, or the feeling of well-being, is a distinct neurological function linked to a complex reward and reinforcement system. And this function depends on natural brain chemicals that transmit "thought" along pathways in the brain formed by amino acids...which, naturally, are produced physiologically in the body.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance (NTI) is caused by deficiencies in the amino acids critical to neurotransmission. The resulting "imbalance" presents as a form of sensory deprivation of the brain's pleasure mechanisms. It can be realized in impulsive, compulsive, or abusive behaviors that follow as a consequence of an individual's inability to derive reward from ordinary, everyday activities.

The problem is not "psychological" versus "physiological." They are both a part of the whole. And the solution requires a systems approach.

Healing is a matter of time,
but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.

- Hippocrates

The seven neurotransmitters most critical to addiction are listed below:

Epinephrine also known as adrenaline, is an excitatory neurotransmitter & hormone that regulates attentiveness and mental focus, and is responsible for the flight or fight response. Elevated levels of epinephrine can lead to restlessness, anxiety, sleep disorders, or acute stress.

Norepinephrine acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.

Dopamine is both an excitatory and an inhibitory neurotransmitter and plays a large role in the pleasure/reward pathways (addiction & thrills), memory and motor control. It is the dopamine that convinces the body that the addict needs their drug of choice to "survive."

Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and controls mood, compulsions, anxiousness, and headaches. Oftentimes serotonin levels in an addict are low - feeding the dopamine impulse to "use" to feel good.

GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter. The primary function is to prevent over-stimulation.

PEA Phenylalanine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that promotes energy and elevated mood.

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter necessary for brain function, memory, and learning.

When  neurotransmitters levels are out of balance addictive cravings remain high and sustainable recovery impossible. When neurotransmitters balanced, cravings decrease and traditional behavioral therapies are much more effective.