subject: The Role Of Amino Acids In Treating Alcoholism [print this page] Alcohol addiction is a condition that impacts a person's health especially his brain. Alcohol addicts are likely to ignore the side effects of their habit because they continue to desire the substance and drink it. These cravings are related to the performance of the brain's neurotransmitters that are made by amino acids.
A person's behavior and moods are manipulated by the brain through the complex reactions of its neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are made in the body through the proteins that the individual gets from his foods. These proteins are composed of amino acids. According to specialists in alcohol rehabilitation centers, the interactions of the brain's neurotransmitters are interupted by alcohol which inhibits a few of them while over stimulates the others. These modifications in these neurotransmitters can become lasting when an individual ingests alcohol excessively and over an extended period of time. This may cause brain damage.
Some experts in alcohol rehabilitation centers say that the brain of an alcoholic may have neurotransmitter deficiencies. But when the person ingests amino acids like phenylanine, tyrosine and glutamine on a daily basis, their cravings for alcohol may be minimized. An alcoholic can also take in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) products to reduce withdrawal symptoms that may be endured once the individual quits consuming alcohol. The supplements are also useful in rebalancing the GABA levels in his brain.
GABA levels can increase when an alcoholic consumes 750 mg capsules of GABA a couple of times every day. These supplements can be obtained over the counter, in local drug stores or on the web. However, it is vital to take note that it is not highly recommended to take GABA supplements while the individual is still drinking as this may naturally boost the GABA levels in the brain. Also, an alcoholic should quit taking the supplements when they experience a relapse and begin to drink alcohol again. For an alcoholic, the use of these supplements is not enough for him to recover. It is ideal to seek for professional help for alcoholism if the person wants to effectively learn how to handle his condition. There are available alcohol treatment facilities to seek help from. These facilities have medical professionals who will supervise the condition of an alcoholic and give him medicines that will help relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy have been proven useful therapeutic treatments. However, since it is likely for alcohol addiction to be related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and amino acid abnormalities, an alcoholic should take amino acid supplements and maintain a healthy diet to decrease the alcohol cravings.
