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Amino-acid Therapy is a powerful natural means of healing and repair from drug abuse. This approach offers a highly effective alternative to standard addiction therapies.

It is generally accepted that 20 amino acids are important to human nutrition for adults. They are the chemical units or “building blocks” of the body that make up proteins. They are all crucial to our health for repairing the body, promoting proper functioning of the blood, and enhancing communication within the brain and nervous system.

Amino acids are divided into two groups: essential and non-essential. Both types of amino acids are necessary for human functioning. The difference between the two groups is that essential amino acids are not synthesized by our bodies so it’s essential that we get them from another source. Because amino acids are not stored in the body like fats or carbohydrates, we have to consume them on a regular basis to maintain normal physical and mental health.

Essential Amino Acids (they must come from an outside source)

* Arginine
* Cystine
* Glutamine
* Glycine
* Tyrosine
* Alanine
* Proline
* Aspartic Acid
* Serine
* Cystine
* Taurine
* Gluatiamic Acid

Non-essential Amino Acids (not to be confused with not necessary) that the body can synthesize on its own:

* Isoleucine,
* Leucine
* Lysine
* Methionine
* Phenylalanine
* Threonine
* Tryptophan
* Valine

Essential amino acids must come from a dietary source. Foods that are rich in essential amino acids include cheese, eggs, fish, poultry, and meats. These foods are considered “complete proteins” in that they contain all the essential amino acids in the correct ratio.

Plants sources of balanced amino acids include buckwheat, hempseed, amaranth, and quinoa. Most plant sources are low or lacking some essential amino acids when eaten alone. The majority of vegetarian diets contain adequate amounts of amino acids because combining certain plants such as rice and beans provides all the essential amino acids. It should be noted that people with a compromised digestive system may not be able to synthesize these amino acids adequately.

The non-essential amino acids, although normally manufactured in the body, may not be at adequate levels because of drug use, stress, or even an inherited deficiency of these important substances. In instances like these, supplementation may be necessary.

A discussion of amino acids is fundamental to the issue of substance abuse because lack of amino acids has been linked to drug cravings, stress, anxiety, and depression. Restoring the amino acids helps to restore the vital neurotransmitters that can be damaged with drug abuse. Amino Acid Therapy is showing great potential in reversing the brain chemical imbalances caused by substance abuse.

Determining the right amino acid or combination of amino acids for you is not an exact science (although simple urine testing is available which can expedite the process). Even with testing, you may have to experiment to determine what is right for your body.

It’s usually best to take amino acid supplements on an empty stomach, and depending on the amino acid, at various times of the day to get the desired effect. It’s also recommended that you take amino acids with a good multi-vitamin/mineral product as these substances play a role in the overall conversion of amino acids into neurotransmitters.

The process of finding your optimal levels of amino acids can be enhanced if you can find a health care professional who is knowledgeable about Amino Acid Therapy and who will work with you as you seek to implement this important information for drug abuse recovery.

Learn more about an effective Drug Addiction Treatment program.