How to Use Targeted Amino Acids to Eliminate Cravings for Alcohol and Other Substances
Amino Acid Therapy is the use of a therapeutic chart, designed by Julia Ross, to determine which neurotransmitters are depleted and then identifying the best amino acid supplement to use to replenish the deficiency, so the symptom disappears. When symptoms are gone, cravings for food, alcohol, sugar or other drugs are also eliminated, because the symptoms were driving the cravings.
I became an amino acid therapist because of my own experience using targeted amino acids to balance my brain and eliminate the symptoms that made me reach for a drink to feel better. Now I share the information with as many people as I can reach, because quitting does NOT have to be that hard. Once you recognize what symptoms are driving your cravings, you can address them head on using targeted supplements and nutrition and give yourself a solid foundation for recovery.
In layman’s terms: Say you drink when you’re stressed. Stress can mean a depletion of the GABA system. So if you’re using alcohol to relieve your stress, you can try the amino acids GABA or L-Theanine. In the right dose, these amino acids can eliminate the feeling of stress… so you won’t need to use alcohol for that symptom anymore. Feel free to replace the word alcohol with “sugar”, “shopping”, “food”, or any substance or behavior you use to self-medicate.
It's sometimes straightforward and obvious what system is depleted. Other times, it’s a puzzle to be figured out. For instance, anxiety can be a result of low GABA and/or low serotonin, so you may check off “anxiety” in both sections. Low GABA tends to show us as physical anxiety, while low serotonin tends to result in more mental anxiety: ruminating, repetitive thoughts, worry, etc.
The feeling of “depression” can indicate low serotonin or low catecholamines. Ask yourself, is it an “under a dark cloud”, fear-based depression or more of a “blah”, slow, sluggish, apathetic depression? The former can indicate low serotonin and the latter, low catecholamines. Perhaps you have both? No problem. You can try specific amino acids for both types of depression/low moods and see how you respond.
One of the most beautiful things about amino acids is that they work RIGHT AWAY! You will not have to wait weeks or months to know if you’re using the right amino acid. The effects are immediately evident. On average, people take amino acids from 2 - 12 months, mostly because it takes a while to get the right dosing, timing and combo. All data is good data!
If you can’t find any relief after trialing all of the amino acid options in each category, that means there's more going on and we need to take a deeper look "under the hood". My Functional Medicine partner can help with testing to see if gut health, toxins, parasites, adrenal fatigue or other issues are causing the aminos not to work.
Book a FREE DISCOVERY CALL to discuss options!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and don't diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Please always check with your MD. Severe life threatening symptoms can occur from sudden withdrawal.
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For each program purchased I will donate 5% to this amazing organization that helps empower women to recover from behavioral health issues and other life challenges. More information about She Recovers ® and their Intentions and Guiding Principles can be found HERE.
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