James E. Royce, S.J., Ph.D. is professor emeritus of psychology and addiction studies at Seattle University and author of a leading textbook on alcoholism. Back to Top of Page Dr. Gayle R Hamilton states there appears to be a direct-line relationship between the nutrient pool within the body and addictive disorders, both in terms of ease of recovery from addiction and in terms of prevention of abuse and addiction. When the brain is saturated with the chemicals needed for managing moods, feelings, and energy, drugs and alcohol appear to be less attractive. As brain health diminishes, there is increasing interest in outside alcohol and other drugs. The lowest levels of depletion of brain chemicals are associated with addiction.
Education is important.
However, it has to be education that makes sense of the experiences of people, that empowers people to address their own problems or to find the resources that can help, and that increases self-respect and, therefore, motivation to change. Information about the biochemistry of drug use, abuse and addiction and its dietary influences, makes our education programs practical and interesting to audiences and empowers them to make significant changes on their own behalf. These same neurotransmitters also regulate emotions and feelings, perception, and energy. Thus, they also have to do with depression, anger management, problem resolution, and hyperactivity. Levels of the neurotransmitters are affected by nutrients, exercise, meditation, and ear acupuncture.