Since these people may take in no dietary source for enkephalin, they must emaciate their own muscle tissue for protein. As stresses increase, they realize that if they eat excessively, they return to calm via enkephalin release. People who crave chocolate may feel less than special, unloved. When PEA is available, we feel special. The stress of codependency lowers enkephalin and GABA availability.
Family members feel increasingly anxious, unworthy, and helpless as a result.
Seeking to fill this void of inadequacy, they substitute the norepinephrine and dopamine rush achieved by doing more. being more, and taking charge, much as workaholics attempt to do. To a significant degree, compulsive behaviors can be explained neurochemically once you come to understand and utilize this knowledge with your clients, it all begins to make sense to them and you. Alterations in the balance of brain chemistries alters our thought, feelings. and behaviors. It does not occur to them that there is anything to fear. They are able to take life as it presents itself and alter their thoughts and behaviors to feel comfortable.