Saturday, October 08, 2011

The Brain as an Obstacle for Recovery


Neuron Communication

  • The neuron sends an electrical signal down its axon.
  • At the end of the axon, a chemical messenger is released in the synapse.
  • The chemical messenger then binds to a specific receptor on the receiving neuron.
  • These chemical messengers are known as neurotransmitters.
There are seven neurotransmitters which I will review today.

Gaba (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
  • Binds to Gaba receptors.
  • Receptors are the same receptors Benzodiazepines and alcohol binds to.
  • Is a naturally occurring sedative neurotransmitter.
  • Low levels of Gaba is believed to be part of the cause for anxiety disorders.
Glutamate
  • Binds to Glutamate receptors.
  • Naturally occurring stimulatory neurotransmitter..
  • It is also an amino acid.
The imbalance between Gaba and Glutamate results in dysphoria and drug cravings. Medications may help to restore this imbalance.

Endorphins and Enkephalins
  • These are our natural opiates or pain killers.
  • Binds to opiate receptors the same way heroin, morphine and oxycodone binds to.
  • The chronic use of opiates results in the suppression of endorphins leading to the symptoms of opiate withdrawal including poor pain tolerance and a lack of the sense of well being.
Serotonin and Norephinephrine
  • Low levels of either of these neurotransmitters results in the symptoms of depression.
  • Depression is the result of a defect in the genetic code responsible for the production of these neurotransmitters.
  • Chronic drug and alcohol use lowers the levels of these neurotransmitters resulting in the depression like symptoms of early recovery known as PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms).
  • Ecstasy can cause cell death and destroy serotonin levels after just one use.
  • Genetic vulnerability to mental health diagnosis and addiction problems.
Dopamine
  • Is a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone.
  • Plays many different roles in different areas of the brain.
  • When there are low levels can result in Parkinson's Disease.
  • When there is high levels can result in hallucinations and Schizophrenia.
  • Called the "feel good" chemical in the reward pathway that is released when drugs are taken.
Endocannabinoids
  • Recently discovered neurotransmitter.
  • Binds to the same receptors as THC.
  • Plays a role in hunger.
  • Being researched to see if they can benefit weight loss and quit cigarette smoking.
I hope you enjoyed Part I of the series by Dr. Christopher Davis. Part II coming soon known as The Reward Pathway.

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