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Countless studies have been done relating to drug and alcohol abuse and its treatment. However, every once in a while a study is done that seems to elude to some new substance addiction treatment, but for whatever reason there is little follow-through, and the results go unnoticed. Without subsequent studies, it is hard to say if the original scientist was on to something or not.
Perhaps one example is a study done last year by Steven LaRowe, from the Medical University of South Carolina, which showed that cocaine addicts that were given an amino acid, NAC, had a significant decrease in their desire to use cocaine. However, since that time, there have not been any subsequent studies about amino acids and drug addiction.
Drug Addiction and the Brain
The background for LaRowe’s study has to do with the effects of food on drug addiction. When an individual uses drugs like cocaine, the drugs interfere with the brain’s normal signals for things such as pleasure and relaxation. Some drugs mimic the brain’s neurotransmitters, while others increase the signals, all of which cause the body to stop sending the signal on its own. When this happens, a person’s body needs the drugs in order to carry out the signals, and addiction has resulted.
Food and Neurotransmitters
A new theory is out there because of research like LaRowe’s, which says that diet may be able to play a part in drug rehabilitation. The human body turns amino acids found in certain foods into the neurotransmitters needed to send signals in the brain. One amino acid is N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is found in nuts and seeds and was studied by LaRowe and his colleagues. A second one is tryptophan, which is found in meat, brown rice, fish, and milk. Other studies have shown that increasing these amino acids can promote relaxation and reduce depression.
Drugs and Food
Because drugs target the same signal-sending molecules as some foods, it has been suggested that by increasing these foods in the diet of a drug addict, we should be able to reduce their addiction. It is thought that in some cases the amino acids in the foods will allow the body to send its own signals again, thus reducing the craving for the drugs, while others will give the individual a more positive outlook on their life as they break from the drug abuse. Some are suggesting that food could reduce drug withdrawal symptoms including depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness, which would give the addict a boost in breaking the habit.
More Research
As is often the case, while these ideas may appear to be scientifically sound, they have not been explored in depth. Last week, Food for the Brain organized a conference in London centered on the use of dietary changes to treat drug addiction. Perhaps this topic will now be in the forefront of research, and some much needed studies will be done to either develop this idea, or explain why it may or may not be feasible.
Sources
Treatment on a plate. A dietary approach to treating addiction seems worth investigating Oct 16th
A look at substance abuse, awareness, treatment and recovery in Emery County October 14, 2008
LaRowe, Steven Is Cocaine Desire Reduced by N-Acetylcysteine? 2007 American Journal of Psychiatry
Ross, Julia The Role of Diet in Mental Health Excerpted from The Diet Cure
