Addictive behaviour is a symptom of low dopamine (brain neurotransmitter). Raise that dopamine level and the addictive behaviour all that go with it (lies etc) improves. And once dopamine levels are low it will take time to increase those levels. There is a product you can purchase called L-tyrosine but you need to also improve the underlying cause/s as well. Of interest, i've read two studies that showed every epileptic had low cellular magnesium. Brain chemistry always wins against will power. It's in the rulez. :P
"Dopamine deficiency signs/symptoms:
Reduced ability to feel pleasure
Flat, bored, apathetic and low enthusiasm
Depressed
Low drive and motivation
Difficulty getting through a task even when interesting
Procrastinator/little urgency
Difficulty paying attention and concentrating
Slowed thinking and/or slow to learn new ideas
Crave uppers (e.g. caffeine/nicotine/diet soft drinks)
Use these to improve energy/motivation/mood
Prone to addictions (e.g. alcohol)/addictive personality
Shy/introvert
Low libido or impotence
Mentally fatigued easily and physically fatigued easily
Sleep too much and trouble getting out of bed
Put on weight easily
Family history of alcoholism/ADD/ADHD
Dopamine levels may be low due to a combination of genetic and acquired reasons. Dopamine can be raised effectively using either nutrient based therapies or medications. Dopamine is synthesized form the amino acid tyrosine.
Factors which reduce dopamine levels:
Chronic stress
Inadequate sleep
Hypothyroidism
Lead, arsenic and cadmium exposure
Under-methylation
Tyrosine (precursor) deficiency
Magnesium, iron, zinc & vitamins B3/B6/C/D deficiency
Excess copper levels
Genetic dopamine receptor abnormalities
Chronic opioid, alcohol & marijuana use
Adrenal insufficiency
Glutathione deficiency
Parkinson's Disease
Influenza
Estrogen deficiency
Human growth hormone deficiency"
"Commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, which is, in turn, associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, new research published in Annals of Neurology has found."
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies lower dopamine as well. They are essential to methylation (along with vitamin B6). These are three nutrients you want in good supply!
Wow... thank you for the information RedStar. Im going to mention this to his Dr when I call them. Can dopamine levels be detected via blood test?
No problem. :) I've read the gold standard for neurotransmitter testing is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). I believe this test is seldom used outside of research settings. How accurate other labs are i can't say. You could ask for a blood test. There is also companies that test urinary neurotransmitters such as NeuroScience (testing is performed by Pharmasan Labs), and Sanesco.
He did it again last night!!! He came home and looked terrible but he refused my suggestion which I knew something was wrong then. After our boys were in bed, I went out to two bars that hes a regular at and found out at one he had been there. He had drank 2 ******* pitchers of beer!
I cant ******* talk to him because he blows me off like its a joke. Wtf can I do? I want him to stop! There is no reason he should have ****** up... and its just seriously pissing me off... the lies, the downright "**** you" feeling I get when Ive done nothing but been by his side through everything!
But god forbid I get angry... because then he blames me for EVERYTHING and he takes off for god knows how long. I love him to death but I feel like he doesnt give a **** about himself or anyone.
refused my suggestion to visit the ER*
Now i understand why you r so freaked out. Its worrysome and you are doing this out of love. Sometimes newborn babies challenges might push someone over and he is just thinking of a coping strategy within his comgort zone.