Amino acids are essential to the human body and perform a variety of vital functions. They are the basis of all life processes as they are needed for all metabolic processes. Amino acid replacement therapy is a therapeutic approach to addiction treatment that utilizes these important building blocks to help those in recovery heal.
At Coalition Recovery, we offer amino acid therapy in Tampa and Saint Petersburg. Contact us to start a program today.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins and proteins that make up about 20 percent of the body. Aminos give cells their structure and also transport and store nutrients (i.e., water, fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins). Furthermore, amino acids are essential for healing wounds and repairing tissue, especially in the muscles, bones, skin, and hair as well as for the removal of all kinds of waste deposits produced in connection with the metabolism.
Of the 200 amino acids in the body, 22 of them consist of proteins called proteinogenic amino acids. Many of these amino acids need to be supplied through our diets. Without the proper intake of these proteins, it can lead to a protein deficiency. A proper supply of amino acids cannot be guaranteed in today’s world due to pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, the hormones fed to cattle, the intensive use of fertilizers in agriculture, and even habits such as smoking and drinking. Since amino acids are so important, supplementing could have a multitude of positive effects.
Some of the benefits of amino acids include:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Fighting arthritis and cancer
- Supporting weight loss
- Enhancing exercise and athletic performance
- Building muscles and strength
- Improving hair, skin, and nails
- Managing sleep and mood
- Reducing cholesterol
- Managing blood sugar levels
Amino Acids and Addiction
On a psychophysical level, the reason we feel happy is due to certain types of neurotransmitters firing in our brains. The more these neurotransmitters fire, (mainly serotonin and dopamine) the better we feel. We fire these neurotransmitters during positive actions like eating, sex, laughing, and exercising. It is the body’s way of telling us that these things are good for us. If we feel good, we will continue to do them.
Drugs also activate these same pleasure receptors. These primal instincts that have helped us survive and procreate have carried over into our modern society for better or worse. So how do amino acids help with addiction? Certain amino acids are converted into neurotransmitters.
For instance, the amino acid L-tryptophan is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood and sleep. People who are depressed have low levels of serotonin.
Dopamine is the pleasure response neurotransmitter. When someone uses a drug like alcohol or an opiate, the brain fires vast amounts of dopamine, making the person feel good for the time being.
Because chronic drug users are using these neurotransmitters more often and at a greater amount, they deplete quicker. Over time, more of the drug is needed to feel the same effects and this cycle continues until levels are extremely low. Everyday actions that used to be rewarding like eating, sex, and exercising are not as pleasurable. At this stage, the individual finds less happiness in their everyday life and the only pleasure they can find lies within their drug.
Amino Acid Replacement Therapy and Relapse Prevention
The nature of addiction does not prioritize health, and as a result nutrient deficiency is very common with individuals in the beginning stages of recovery. So, when someone begins their treatment, the levels of serotonin and dopamine have gained a tolerance to everyday pleasures, and are also incredibly low. By supplementing every day with amino acids, a person can replenish their neurotransmitters and start to feel mentally healthy and normal faster.
Serotonin and dopamine help regulate mood, but they have a variety of other jobs like regulating appetite. The primary purpose of amino acids is to get the individual’s reward center back to homeostasis. Without the proper pleasures from everyday activities, it is difficult to live life without the reliance on drugs. Amino acids do more than help regulate mood—they are the key building blocks of everyday biological processes. Individuals who participate in amino acid replacement therapies will feel happier as well as healthier.
Below is a list of some of the key amino acids, along with their direct benefits.
L-Tryptophan
This is an essential amino acid, meaning it needs to be absorbed through food as our bodies do not create it naturally. L-tryptophan is used for a variety of processes, but its primary goal is to produce serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood and its depletion is said to be the cause for depression. Serotonin deficiency can also include self-deprecation, anxiety, sleep disorders, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, depression, irritability, panic, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, cravings that become more pronounced in the afternoon or evening. Cravings related to L-tryptophan deficiency may include sweets and starches, nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol.
GABA
Researchers suspect that GABA may boost mood or have a calming, relaxing effect on the nervous system.
DLPA
D-phenylalanine helps the lifespan of endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving hormone-like substances. Generally, those who abuse opioids have a deficiency in this type of amino acid. Endorphin deficiency may include weepiness, crying spells, and fragile emotions as well as pain sensitivity.
L-Tyrosine
This amino acid is used in the production of catecholamines. These include norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine, all neurotransmitters known for alertness, focus, and energy. Supplementing amino acids can, therefore, help individuals experience a livelier daily routine and promote motivation. Symptoms of deficiency can include a lack of clarity and focus, fatigue, lack of motivation, apathy, an overall lack of energy to engage in personal interests or work, and depression. Those diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may be deficient in L-Tyrosine. Generally, those addicted to stimulants like methamphetamines, Adderall, and cocaine tend to be deficient in L-tyrosine.
L-Glutamine
The ideal “brain balancer,” L-Glutamine is tasked with regulating blood sugar levels to maintain clarity as well as energy. Direct supplementation of L-glutamine is recommended to correct any deficiency, especially in times of significant stress such as early sobriety. When these amino acids are restored through amino acid therapy, symptoms of deficiency subside, and cravings lessen. With this type of therapy, we can limit the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxification and sobriety.
Reach Out to Coalition Recovery for Amino Acid Therapy in Tampa Bay
If you’re interested in starting an amino acid therapy program in Tampa Bay, simply give us a call or reach out online. We’ll get in contact with you and start the process. This therapy could help you rebuild your life and become your healthiest, happiest self. Connect with our team at 888.707.2873 to learn more.
