Summary: <p>Counseling CEUs are available at <a href="https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/499/c/">https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/499/c/</a></p> <p>Do you ever wonder what is going on when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Why is it that some people just seem naturally happier or more motivated or driven? In this episode we will take a closer look at some of the main neurochemicals responsible for mood, motivation, learning, libido and hunger.</p> <h3>Show Notes</h3> <p>1. Pharmacology of Recovery: Dopamine, GABA, Serotonin, Acetylcholine Recovery & Resilience International in partnership with AllCEUs.com Co- Occurring Disorders Recovery Coaching Curriculum Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC, CCDC Executive Director, AllCEUs.com<br> 2. Objectives Review the function of the most common neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate, Norepinepherine, Acetylcholine) Explore how different drugs interact with brain chemistry to produce the reward Learn how the brain's natural protective mechanisms actually cause withdrawal symptoms, and what that means Identify mental health issues associated with imbalances between these neurochemicals Examine ways to deal with chemical imbalances<br> 3. Why I Care/How It Impacts Recovery Whether it existed before the addiction, or was caused by the addiction, in early recovery, nearly every person’s neurotransmitters are out of balance. This causes feelings of depression, apathy, anxiety, exhaustion. This is part of what is referred to as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Understanding why you feel the way you do is the first step Figuring out how to help yourself feel better is the next<br> 4. What are Neurotransmitters The human brain is composed of roughly 86 billion neurons. (1) These cells communicate with each other via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters regulate Mood cravings, addictions Energy Libido Sleep Attention and concentration Memory Pain Sensitivity,<br> 5. Neurotransmitters Cont… About 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels — our unhealthy modern lifestyle being largely to blame. (3) Chronic stress, poor diet, environmental toxins, drugs (prescription and recreational), alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can cause neurotransmitter depletion.<br> 6. Mechanism of action/purpose Movement Memory Pleasurable reward Learning Behavior and cognition Attention Dopamine<br> 7. Mechanism of action/purpose Altered dopamine neurotransmission is implicated in Cognitive control (racing thoughts) Attentional control Impulse control Working memory Dopamine<br> 8. Where is it found Precursor, L-DOPA is synthesized in brain and kidneys Dopamine functions in several parts of the peripheral nervous system In blood vessels, it inhibits norepinephrine release and acts as a vasodilator (relaxation) In the pancreas, it reduces insulin production In the digestive system, it reduces gastrointestinal motility and protects intestinal mucosa Dopamine<br> 9. Symptoms of excess & insufficiency Excess of dopamine Unnecessary movements, repetitive tics Psychosis Hypersexuality Nausea Most antipsychotic drugs are dopamine antagonists Note: Antipsychotic drugs are used for many things other than schizophrenia Dopamine antagonist drugs are also some of the most effective anti-nausea agents Dopamine<br> 10. Symptoms of excess & insufficiency Insufficient dopamine Negative symptoms Reduction in emotional responsiveness Lack of motivation Diminished expressiveness (speech/socialization) Difficulty concentrating or poor memory Pain Restless legs syndrome Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Dopamine<br> 11. Nutritional building blocks Eating a diet high in magnesium and tyrosine rich foods will ensure you’ve got the basic building blocks needed for dopamine production. H</p>
