Not many people are aware that Amino Acid IV drip therapy has become a state of the art means of helping with people with an addiction. For a long time a debate has ensued around just what is the cause of addiction. Whether it is to non prescribed, recreational drugs, alchohol or prescribed drugs there are many competeing opinions on the subject. What is known is that our brain chemistry is involved and affected by everything we ingest, digest and assimilate into our system. Other factors like genetics may also play a part as well as environment and ultimately the kinds of choices we make around the use and abuse of substances, whether legal or illegal. The area of drug and alcohol treatment has become a huge industry with many large scale treatment centers and programs popping up all over the country. We now see ads in magazines, on tv and in all sorts of media about the latest books on treatment or the newest luxury treatment center to open along the coast. There are even treatment centers that cater to just the rich and famous. The question that really needs to be asked here is just how effective are these programs. The answer to which is very disappointing. On average most drug and alcohol centers can only claim a small success rate. Somewhere around 15-20%. There are however just a handful of programs (non 12 step programs) out there that show a much higher rate. Most if not all are using some type of amino acid therapy along with alternative treatment modalities. Treating the brain and neurotransmitter deficiences seems to be a key to that success. Could it be that “science has found the answer” that was once predicted by Bill Wilson the founder of AA when he said “someday science may find the answer”. ?

If I am an addict whether accidently or by my own choices do I really care about the cause or am I more concerned about getting the help I need to remove my addiction? Most likely its the latter.  Now the challenge begins. Who do I trust, what is the best course for me and where do I go. It can be very difficult and confusing and can seem like a huge uphill battle which poses no guarantees and often seems hopeless. Most treatment programs offer little in the way of consolation and for the most part advocate a “white knuckle’ approach to the withdrawal or some type of medical detox prior to the “real work” that will be needed.  A change in environment, find a sponsor, attend daily or weekly meetings, re examine all your choices that have led to this place. All helpful and possibly all necessary all the while still feeling the “urge” or the “craving” the body/brain is having to feel that “relief” that the drug of choice used to bring. So even while I am sitting in my 10th meeting  there is a part of me that still wants and needs that fix.  This is where the neurotransmitter deficiency needs to be addressed, and without it the transition from using to not using is difficult. Amino Acid IV therapy answers this need. And not only does it answer it, it gives the addict a fighting chance to make use of all the other support that the treatment provides.

Easy, affordable treatment should require that the patient get the best results for the expense both he/she and his/her insurance companies are paying for.  Treating the whole person is essential and making their transition from addiction to clean and sober does not have to be the most uncomfortable and unbearable experience of a lifetime. There is an alternative.  The days of “white knuckle” cold turkey detox need not be experienced anymore. The science is here, now.  Anyone can google amino acid treatment and find out more about this state of the art scientific approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and the success rate that clinics using this are having with their patients. The NORAA formula has been in use for the past seven years with excellent success. If you would like to use our formula it is an easy, low cost licensing fee and some paperwork. Come join us in making use of the one of the latest and most effective means of assisting those who are suffering from addictions free. Contact us for more information.

If you are reading this you are doing your homework on amino acid therapy.  By now you know that there is a growing body of evidence to support the use of amino acid therapy in treating addiction disorders.  This article makes the case for the use of amino acids for a number of other disorders as well……….enjoy.

Neurotransmitters & Amino Acids : The Brain Amine Theory

By David Puchol Esparza Psychologist & Naturopath

Our brain is a ‘chemical factory’ that produces Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (G.A.B.A.),Norepinephrine,Epinephrine and other brain chemicals 24 hours a day.The only raw materials for their syntheses are nutrients, namely amino acids,vitamins,minerals,essential fatty acids..etc..If the brain receives improper or insufficient amounts of these key nutrient ‘building blocks’,we can expect serious problems with our neurotransmitters and with our mental health.

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of the nervous system.They are chemicals made by neurons and used by them to transmit signals to the other neurons or non-neuronal cells that they innervate.Neurotransmitters are the natural chemicals that facilitate communication between brain cells.These substances govern our emotions, memory,moods,behavior,learning abilities and sleep patterns.For the last three decades, neurotransmitters have been the focus of mental health research.

For the health and maintenance of the brain cells and their chemical messengers,a balance of amino acids,vitamins and other nutrients must be present. A lowered level of these in the brain,whether because of stress,genetics,or bad eating habits can deplete the key neurotransmitters necessary to keep a healthy mental attitude.Serotonin and Norepinephrine are the key neurotransmitters that are depletted in the brain of those who are depressed.Since Serotonin and Norepinephrine belong to a chemical group called *amines’,the theory of depression that emerged from research became known as ‘The Brain Amine Theory of Depression’.

The precursor nutrients (amino acids,enzymes,vitamins,and minerals) appear to be the safest,most effective way of’increasing’ the brain amine levels.They simultaneously increase both Serotonin and Norepinephrine,while the traditional antidepressants drugs generally increase only one or the other of these brain amines and may not work if both amines are depleted (Slagle,1992).

Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together, bound together with peptide bonds and there are about 28 amino acids commonly referred to in human health.The liver manufactures about 80% of these amino acids, but the remaining 20% of such amino acids must be supplied directly by diet, and these amino acids are referred to as the essential amino acids.

These essential amino acids are: leucine,histidine,lysine,isoleucine,valine,methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and tryptophan.The 80% or so others that are manufactured by the liver includes: asparagine,arginine,alanine,aspartic acid, citrulline, cysteine, cystine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine.glutamic acid, glutamine,serine,ornithine, proline, tyrosine and taurine.

The functioning of amino acids are interrelated, and a balanced and steady supply of these key nutrients are needed to maintain proper body and mind functioning. A dietary shortage of amino acids can impact negatively on our mental health just as other stressors, such as diseases.traumas, drug abuse,infections,age,infections etc…

The Role of L-Glutamine in Mental Health

Several key nutrients (known as precursors) are necessary to supply the chemicals responsible for the formation of the brain’s neurotransmitters,thus helping to balance brain chemistry.When taken on a daily basis, specific supplementation with certain amino acids helps us feel more mentally balanced and provides us with an overall sense of well-being.Research studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using just a few targeted amino acid ‘precursors’ to increase the key neurotransmitters,thereby eliminating depression,stress,anxiety and cravings for food and drugs (Ross, 1999)

Glutamine, or L-Glutamine, is an amino acid derived from another amino acid, glutamic acid.L-Glutamine is another example of an amino acid with substantial benefits to mental functioning.L-Glutamine is the most widely used amino acid and constitutes more than 20% of all the amino acid levels in the body. While it is the most prevalent amino acid, it is considered to be ‘conditionally essential,’ meaning that stress or excessive exercise can create a need for more of it than the body can provide.

Glutamine is found in plant and animal sources, as well as in supplement form.Many plant and animal substances contain Glutamine, but cooking easily destroys it. If eaten raw, spinach and parsley are good sources.Soy proteins, milk, meats and cabbage are additional sources of this amino acid.

Glutamine helps the body maintain a healthy pH balance and is necessary for making and repairing cells.As the most plentiful free amino acid in muscle tissue, Glutamine plays an important role in all parts of the body. It speeds recovery and healing,can improve mental acuity and helps curb cravings.Other than glucose, a stimulatory neurotransmitter known as glutamic acid can be used as an energy source by the brain.There are only two ‘fuels’ that the brain can readily use:

1 .Glucose,which is blood sugar made from carbohydrates.

2.Glutamine, an amino acid available in protein foods or as a supplement.

Unlike other amino acids that have a single nitrogen atom, Glutamine contains two nitrogen atoms that enable it to transfer nitrogen and remove ammonia from body tissues. Glutamine readily passes the blood-brain barrier and, within the brain, is converted to glutamic acid, which the brain needs to function properly. Aside from generally providing an energy source for the brain to function at a higher level, glutamic acid is thought to play a role in mental alertness and perhaps even memory enhancement. It also increases the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is needed to sustain proper brain function and mental activity.lt assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body, and is the basis of the building blocks for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Glutamine promotes mental ability and maintenance of a healthy digestive tract.

Potential therapeutic uses of Glutamine:

I .-Depression and Mood Disorders.
2.-General Energy Booster.

3.-Poor Memory, Concentration Difficulties,and Mental Fatigue.

4.-Aid Treatment for AIDS or Viral Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

5.-Blood Sugar Instability (Hypoglycemia).

6.-Exercise Endurance.

7.-Aid Treatment of Alcoholism (The Craving for Alcohol).

8.-Stress Tolerance.

9.-Protection Against Nuscle Catabolism and Overtrainig.

10.-Gastrointestinal Disorders and Ulcers.

11 .-Aid Treatment of Cirrhosis.

12.-Strengthening the Immune System.

Glutamine is also an amino acid that stimulates the release of human growth hormone within the body.Human growth hormone serves many important functions by influencing carbohydrate.protein and lipid metabolism, regulating the secretion of other hormones, and interacting with the immune system. Preliminary scientific research show that L-Glutamine can increase the body’s production of Human Growth Hormone.

Therapeutic dosages of L-Glutamine range from 1.5 to 6 g daily, divided into several separate doses. As a naturally occurring amino acid, Glutamine is thought to be a safe supplement when taken at recommended dosages.However,people who have kidney disease,Reye’s syndrome,cirrhosis of the liver,or other illnesses that cause ammonia to build up in the blood should not take Glutamine.For such individuals, taking supplemental Glutamine may only cause further damage to the body. Those who are hypersensitive to monosodium glutamate should use L-Glutamine with caution, as the body metabolizes Glutamine into glutamate.If you are taking antiseizure medications use Glutamine only under medical supervision. Maximum safe dosages for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been fully determined. Be aware that although the names sound ‘similar’,Glutamine, Glutamic Acid,Glutamate,Glutathione,Gluten, and Monosodium Glutamate are all different substances.

Conclusion

Orthomolecular medicine describes the practice of preventing and treating disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of substances which are natural to the body. According to Linus Pauling (1968), Orthomolecular Psychiatric Therapy is the treatment of mental disease by the provision of the optimum molecular environment for the mind,especially the optimum concentrations of natural substances,normally present in the human body.

The scientific community agree on the tremendous influence of neurotransmitters on mental diseases.The proper functioning of the brain is known to require the presence of molecules of many different chemical substances and key nutrients.In the orthomolecular view, it is possible that the provision of specific vitamins, amino acids, trace elements or essential fatty acids,in amounts sufficient to correct biochemical abnormalities,will be effective and therapeutic in preventing or treating the most common mental disorders such as Anxiety or Depression.

Our mental health is dependent upon having the proper amount of these critical brain chemicals.Most neurotransmitter problems appear to be genetic in nature and involve abnormal absorption.storage or metabolism of key nutrients. Hundreds of documented cases exist of people who have successfully recovered from a diagnosis of ‘mental illness’ when they were, in fact, physically ill.They only improved when their physical disorder was discovered and naturally treated by holistic health professionals.

As science advances, biochemical treatments to correct brain chemistry become better defined and researched.Nutrient therapy can be very effective and involve fewer and milder side effects or possible interactions than psychiatric drugs.This alternative and effective therapeutic approach may eventually reduce.or even eliminate,the need for most psychiatric medications used today worldwide.

References

Balch,J & Balch,P.(1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 2nd ed. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group.

Bratman,S. ;Kroll,D. & DePalma,A.(2000)The Natural Pharmacist: Natural Health Bible.Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition.Prima Health.

Ensminger,A.;Ensminger,M.;Konlande,J. and Robson,J.(1994).Foods & Nutrition Encyclopedia.Vol 2.Boca Raton.CRC Press, Inc.

Pauling,L.(1968).Orthomolecular Psychiatry. Science 160: 265-271.

Ross,J. (1999).The Diet Cure: The 8-Step Program to Rebalance Your Body Chemistry and End Food Cravings, Weight Problems, and Mood-Swings.Viking.

Slagle,P.(1992).The Way Up From Down.A Safe New Program that Relieves Low Moods and Depression with Amino Acids and Vitamins Supplements.St.Martin’s Paperbacks Edition.

There is a growing body of evidence that the use of amino acid therapy may well be one of the most effective answers to treating addictions.

In October 2001, Dr Emily Kane published this article, we share it here with you as our way of continuing to educate the public and the world of drug and alcohol rehab that new technologies based on scientific research have been growing and continue to grow stating a very good case for why the brain chemistry must be considered in any treatment plan for addiction.

Addictions

October 27th, 2001

Amino Acids are a very simple, and powerful tool for healing. We wanted to share this article with you to give you another point of view on this topic.

Some of you have asked – why do we re-publish content from other sources here on Noraa.org?

Easy. We know many of you are skeptical – you have never heard of amino acids, let alone using them intravenously to treat addiction. So, when we can highlight another known source, such as NaturalNews, that speaks to the growing body of information about their use, we are eager to share.

With that said, here is an article published in Natural News, about the power of amino acids in healing the brain. Amino Acid therapy is gaining ground as being a state of the art alternative to a variety of  neurological problems and in helping the brain heal naturally.  We look forward to your comments.

Amino Acids could heal brain damage

Friday, January 01, 2010 by: S. L. Baker, features writer NaturalNews

A head-on car collision, a stumble that slams your head to the ground, a wound from a military battle in Afghanistan, a violent criminal assault – these and other causes of sudden blows to the head can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. And symptoms can range from dizziness, headaches and memory problems to difficulty thinking, coma or even a vegetative state.

Unfortunately, there is no effective medical treatment for TBI. Although doctors can relieve the dangerous swelling that occurs after a traumatic brain injury, there is currently no way to reverse the underlying brain damage that can lead to cognitive losses in memory, learning and other functions. But neuroscientists think that could change, thanks to a natural treatment. A new study recently published in the online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests natural amino acids hold the key to healing brain injuries.

For the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research, neuroscientists fed amino acids to brain-injured mice. The results? The animals’ cognitive abilities were restored. That, the researchers stated in a media release, may set the stage for the first effective treatment for cognitive impairments suffered by people with TBI. If these results from animal studies can be translated to human medicine, the impact will be huge, they added – because every 23 seconds, a man, woman or child in the United States suffers a TBI.

“We have shown in an animal model that dietary intervention can restore a proper balance of neurochemicals in the injured part of the brain, and simultaneously improves cognitive performance,” said study leader Akiva S. Cohen, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in a statement to the press.

For their study, the researchers used a mix of three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), specifically leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAAs are crucial to brain health because they are precursors of two neurotransmitters – glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. These neurotransmitters work together to balance brain activity. Specifically, glutamate excites neurons, stimulating them to fire, while GABA dampens down the firing of brain cells. A TBI can upset this balance and keep the brain from functioning normally.

Frequently, a TBI damages the structure deep in the brain involved in higher learning and memory known as the hippocampus. In their new study, the scientists discovered that an injury to the hippocampus reduces levels of BCAAs. That throws the critical balance of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus into disarray, causing some localized regions of the brain to be more excitable and others less excitable.

To test the idea that dietary BCAAs would restore the normal balance of neural responses to brain-injured animals, the scientists worked with mice that had been conditioned to fear a mild electric shock in their cage. The animals had developed a “freezing” response when placed in the cage because they anticipated a shock. Then the research team created brain injuries in one group of mice with this conditioned fear response and, a week later, compared this group to animals conditioned to the fear response that had no TBI. The injured mice had partially lost their memory of past shocks and so had fewer “freezing” responses.

However, when the brain-injured mice were given water to drink that contained BCAAs, the amino acid cocktail restored their learning ability and they regained the same normal responses as the uninjured animals. Moreover, additional experiments showed that BCAAs had restored the animals’ normal balance of neural activity.

Previous studies have revealed that people with brain injuries show mild functional improvements after receiving BCAAs through an intravenous line (IV). Dr. Cohen stated the new study suggests that BCAAs used as a dietary supplement could offer more sustained benefits than amino acids given through IVs. Early-phase clinical trials of dietary BCAAs in patients with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries are expected to begin over the next year.

Editor’s note: NaturalNews is opposed to the use of animals in medical experiments that expose them to harm. We present these findings in protest of the way in which they were acquired.

For more information:

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-08-2009/0005147067&EDATE=

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi/TBI.htm

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What is your take away from this article?  Amino Acids are an amazing, simple, and powerfully effective treatment for substances such as alcohol, cocaine, meth, and many other substances. Emotional habits also show great response to amino acid therapy. 

Please leave us your comments below about amino acids treating brain trauma.

After many years of successful use in our clinic in Durango, Colorado and at the request of a number of other treatment centers we  are now  very happy to announce that our proprietary blend of amino acids known as the NORAA formula  is now going to be made available to other treatment centers around the country.

We are very excited to be able to share our success in dealing with addictions and alcoholism with some of the other leading edge and alternative minded treatment centers, clinics and holistic medicine practitioners in North America.

If you are providing treatment, or know of anyone providing treatment there may now be a way that they can receive our treatment from our exclusive compounder. With a small amount of legal paperwork we are now licensing others to use the NORAA formula and obtain it directly from our exclusive compounder here in Colorado.

Help us spread the word and make use of this exciting development in the fight to treat addictions.
Our new website for licensing opportunities will soon be up and running at www.aminoacidtreatment.com as well as here at  www.noraa.org.

Another new site called Sober-Now.com is under construction and will host the names and locations of all the treatment centers currently making use of the NORAA amino acid formula in their programs. www.sober-now.com

Here’s to a new start and a great new life……for us all.