The opioid epidemic has been on the forefront of many people’s minds for several years now. The overwhelming number of people who have fallen prey to drug dependence is staggering, and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like it is an issue that’s going to resolve itself any time soon.
Addiction to opioids is unique in the sense that once a person is hooked, he or she has major changes in their brain function, making it nearly impossible to get off the drugs without medical assistance.
There are many traditional treatment options for those who are addicted to opioids, however some more recent alternative discoveries appear to be very promising. One such approach is an IV amino acid transfusion. This breakthrough method is not offered in all treatment facilities but Ardú Recovery Center of Provo, Utah reaps the benefits of this treatment method, and is the only care facility in the state to exclusively provide this service.
Why Are Opioids So Addictive?
It is important to know the different forms of opioids and how they work. There are natural opioids, like morphine and codeine, semi-synthetic forms that include Oxycontin and hydrocodone, and of course, heroin. In many cases of reported opioid addictions throughout the US, most people begin their decline into opioid addiction starting with an injury, and a doctor writing a prescription for pain medication. After a certain amount of time, a dependence on the medication develops, and if getting the medication becomes impossible, it is not uncommon for people to turn to “street” drugs—namely, heroin—to handle their cravings and avoid withdrawal.
Opioids latch onto the mu opioid receptors in the brain that trigger the reward center. This activates the nucleus accumbens, which triggers the release of dopamine and causes feelings of pleasure. Opioids also signal the brain to create a “record” or memory of this feeling. So the brain then begins to seek out this pleasure-creating experiences more and more.
At first these good feelings are released every time a certain amount of the opioid is taken, but after a while the brain starts to build up a tolerance and demands more and more in order to create the same experience. If those needs are not met, then the body starts to go into withdrawal. Therefore addicts are driven to do anything they can to avoid the incredibly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms they go through, which usually include vomiting, excessive shaking and sweating, body aches and pains, and in some cases even hallucinations.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that play a vital role in the function of the human body. There are 20 amino acids in the body, with nine of them being essential. Of these essential amino acids, many of them are responsible for creating neurotransmitters that regulate mood, immune efficiency, heal and build muscles, sleep cycle, digestion and more. In short, amino acids are very important to how a body operates.
Amino acids can generally be found in the foods we eat, while some are produced naturally within our bodies. However, when a person is addicted to opioids they are often malnourished and not consuming the proper amount of vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy balance. This is where a treatment of IV amino acids comes in.
When the body is lacking in nutrients and amino acids are not being replenished, things start to go downhill and fast. Not only does a person who is deficient in amino acids start to physically break down, but they begin to feel depressed, fatigued, anxious and have trouble sleeping. Tryptophan, one of the essential nine amino acids, is what helps create serotonin and melanin. Serotonin is what is depleted by the continued use of opioids in the brain, and without replenishing and rebuilding, the neurotransmitters have nowhere to go.
How Can Amino Acids Help in Opioid Recovery?
The IV amino acid therapy that Ardú provides is known as RecoverEaze. This process is generally a precursor to or in conjunction with their medical detox program. RecoverEase is a 10 day process in which clients participate in two to four hour infusion sessions. During this time they relax in recliners and rejuvenate themselves as the building blocks to health are replenished.
When the slow integration of amino acids start to work their way back into the system, the neurotransmitters are able to do their job. As the body recalibrates it releases the proper amount of serotonin and dopamine. As the chemistry in the brain is restored, the cravings that one would normally feel on opioids starts to lessen, which in turn heightens one’s chance at sobriety.
A Complete Program
Ardú’s programming options offer individualized and comprehensive care, with approaches that compliment each other. In addition to their IV amino acid therapy, clients receive evidence-based therapy in a one on one and group settings, exercise, and a well rounded nutritional program. Their alternative approaches include restorative oxygen therapy, a float spa and a vibroacoustic lounge for a relaxing and inspirational recovery experience. And this all takes place in a peaceful facility that offers top of the line medical care and luxurious accommodations.
To learn more about Ardú Recovery Centers RecoverEaze IV amino acid therapy, go to www.ardurecoverycenter.com. Reach Ardú Recovery Center by phone at (801)823-6807. Find Ardú Recovery Center on Facebook
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
