{"id":11880,"date":"2021-01-07T15:22:17","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T14:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/triptherapie.nl\/?p=11880"},"modified":"2021-10-13T21:44:31","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T20:44:31","slug":"gaba-dhae-and-psilocybin-against-addiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/triptherapie.nl\/en\/gaba-dhae-en-psilocybine-tegen-verslaving\/","title":{"rendered":"GABA, DHEA, and psilocybin against addiction?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Addiction from a biochemical point of view<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Addictions are often seen as a kind of moral negligence or weakness on the part of the addict. This societal view of addiction is unjustified and actually contributes nothing to the solution for the addict. Addictions are never caused by a defective mind, but by the biochemical state of the brain. Just like developing a tumor, becoming addicted to a substance is likely both something that happens to someone because of how nature works. The way our brain works dictates what we think and what we do. Let's discuss addictions. It's not shameful, but together we can do something about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Addicted to narcotic drugs aka downers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

GHB, alcohol, and cannabis are substances that fall under the narcotic category. These depressants are often used to calm down but can be addictive for restless individuals. By stimulating GABA receptors, the calming effect is created, which releases dopamine. Dopamine is, among other things, a reward neurotransmitter, which makes it even more addictive, especially for individuals with already low dopamine levels. Especially for these individuals, the combination of GABA and DHEA can significantly increase the chance of successfully kicking these addictive substances. Several studies (here<\/a> and here<\/a>) suggest that activation of GABA receptors and increased DHEA concentration may statistically improve the chances of quitting addictive substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the addictive uppers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Uppers are stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA. A similar process is at play with uppers. Instead of GABA playing a major role, dopamine now plays a larger role. Almost everything with an addictive effect exploits how our dopamine receptors work and how they influence stimulus conduction in the brain. Addictions such as gambling, pornography, social media, and food (sugar) also utilize this system. The more sensitive someone is to dopamine (for example, with overstimulation, ADD\/ADHD, low dopamine levels, or loneliness), the more grip an addiction can have. When treating addictive uppers, the combination of DHEA and tyrosine, as well as GABA, can be helpful. Tyrosine is a building block of dopamine, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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