Reward-Stress Link Points To New Targets For Treating Addiction
www.sciencedaily.com
Being as I am someone who knows the power of hypnosis to reduce stress levels (and that hypnosis is also known to raise dopamine and endorphin levels in the brain without any drugs) — I couldn’t help thinking while reading this article of just how much recovering addicts can benefit from hypnosis!
It has been widely accepted that stress is a major factor when an alcoholic or drug addict relapses, even when they have been abstinent for a very long period of time. It is also known that drug or alcohol use causes an increase dopamine levels in the brain, which make a person feel good. It makes sense that the mind then associates alcohol or drug use with relieving stress.
The following article discusses new findings in brain research targeting the actual mechanisms of the dopamine-CRF interaction which lead to relapse. Understanding this process could lead to new approaches for silencing this cell interaction.
“The findings suggest a new target to consider for therapeutics that might address stress-induced reinstatement,” says Danny Winder, Ph.D., associate professor of molecular physiology & biophysics at Vanderbilt University. “Such a therapy would be extremely valuable. Essentially all of the pharmacotherapies for addiction to date help people get through the withdrawal phase. There’s really nothing available to reduce the likelihood of relapse.”
(But I would say hypnosis is available as one very good option!)
To Read More, follow this link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081216201414.htm