Caffeine: The Trojan Horse of Recovery

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The purported health benefits of caffeinated beverages are a mixed bag especially to the individuals who are recovering from or vulnerable to addictions. Though the scientific literature sights benefits to caffeine and even coffee drinking, this may not be the case for recovering addicts. Caffeine has somewhat of a ‘Trojan Horse’ phenomenon by appearing first to be a gift that benefits one’s health, but in the long run this perceived benefit serves only to disguise the fact that caffeine can actually reap havoc during the recovery process.

Its complicated chemical and metabolic nature make it one of the easiest substances to get hooked on as there are numerous neurochemical pathways with which it interacts. Since the process of recovery is to bring the brains chemistry into balance, the disruptive contribution of caffeine only making this more challenging if not impossible.

Then there is the condition that to heal we need to get appropriate sleep and sleep is minimize in those whom consume caffeine on a regular basis. With over 60% of the population reporting episodes of insomnia, those struggling with addictions report a much higher incidence. Sleep is the time the brain heals. Therefore, not only is it important that one gets enough sleep, but the quality of that sleep is a key to long-term recovery.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Eating Disorders: How Much Snooze Can You Afford to Lose?

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The journey of recovery from an eating disorder is long and complicated. There are numerous treatment models that address this devastating health problem, but it has only recently come to light the importance of sleep in expediting the recovery process and its role in relapse prevention. With over 60% of the population reporting episodes of insomnia, those struggling with addictions report a much higher incidence. Sleep is the time the brain heals. Therefore, not only is it important that one gets enough sleep, but the quality of that sleep is a key to long-term recovery.

The Pine Grove Women's Center is a residential treatment program for women coping with eating disorders, women coping with chemical dependency, and women coping with both. This unique setting allows the ability of the treatment team to triage treatment components based on the patient's individual and unfolding needs.

Work is done on the behavioral, cognitive, and affective level. Patients are supported in dealing with behavior, thoughts, and feelings. The program also integrates several theoretical perspectives including medical, psychiatric, socio-cultural, feminist, and 12-step.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Exercise as an Adjunct to Recovery

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Exercise has long been touted as a means of reducing stress, maintaining healthy weight and supplying energy. Most addicts do not experience this benefit because they are looking for immediate results and do not have a grasp of how exercise improves mood, enhances metabolism and reduces depression. Repetitive and monotous activities stimulate nerve cell growth and promote restorative sleep that enhances recovery and initiates revitalization.

We are inundated daily with government guidelines, medical recommendations and frightening statistics that implore us to exercise. Resolutions are made to lose weight, lower blood pressure and improve our mood. Health club memberships, expensive home equipment and exercise videos are purchased in hopes we will be inspired to get fit. The ultimate dream is to achieve these goals quickly and painlessly. Yet, we know only too well, the only place where success appears before work is in the dictionary.

By understanding some fundamental physiology combined with motivational principles, we can make the prize worth the price and make exercise a productive tool in the treatment of addictive patients.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Understanding How We Get Addicted

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Knowing the facts – about the consequences of drugs, about the roots of your habit, about the realities for addiction, and about your readiness to quit – makes the decision easier to stand by. The more information you have the better equipped your are to succeed. When you explain the underlying pathology, patient’s have freedom to accept the disease, let go of faulty thinking and learn to problem solve.

Thanks to the innovations in brain imaging, scientist can actually look into the brain and begin to see what is going on in addiction. By employing a model of recovery as the healing brain, the patient can assign purpose; meaning and hope to the recovery process and it may for the first time begin to make sense. The healing brain model helps explains the symptomology, heredity and behaviors of all addictions using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. Understanding enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than abstinence from inappropriate behaviors and head knowledge are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Physiology of Happiness and Health

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Affective neuroscience is the study of how emotions are generated by the brain. Brain imaging (fMRI and PET scans) explores pockets of the brain where emotions develop and provide a detailed neural schematic. By mapping how the brain generates and processes emotion, it may unfold ways people might use the power of their own minds to overcome the crippling impact of depression and addiction and may even improve their physical health as well. Many researches have been done on negative types of emotion such as depression, stress and trauma. On the other hand, research on positive types of emotion has not been studied as much. As of late, studies on happiness are now getting more attention. People are in control of reaching ultimate happiness by following three components: pleasure, engagement, and meaning. There are numerous parallels between spirituality, 12- step models, and authentic happiness that may influence a restructuring of our brain and hence provide healing.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Brain Fix: Understanding Process and Cross Addictions

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The foundation of healing and health maintenance is homeostasis or balance. Moderation and balance wears thin in the minds of those who suffer from addiction because they are driven towards instant gratification and if something works, more is better. Yet the human body does not operate on extremes. There is neither good (HDL) nor bad (LDL) cholesterol, both serve a useful purpose. Antioxidants are beneficial, but pro-oxidants also are beneficial. We quickly reach for anti-inflammatories, but we would not heal if there were not an inflammatory process. The brain too operates on the principle of balance referred to as allostasis. Mankind is wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Our drives are such that if we have an unpleasant experience we instinctively seek out a pleasurable one. If we are overwhelmed with stress, anxiety or depression, the brain may seek self-medication and relief with alcohol and drugs.

Abstain from the drug and humans will cross addict, seeking alternatives to compensate for the void. Few addicts (13%) indicate that they have only one addiction present. Addictions coexist, interact, reinforce and become part of one another. Sustained recovery effectively addresses all the addictions present. The universal substitutes that many recovering addicts revert to are food and sex. These are basic human drives necessary for survival. Yet, they can also develop into destructive behaviors that fit the criteria of addiction and abuse.

There is a great deal of confusion in treatment programs over the concept of a food or sex addiction. Many emotions and behaviors are tied into an addict’s relationship with these. While there is little scientific evidence that one is addicted to sugar or white flour, the possibility of addiction to the sensory aspects can be explored.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Brain Fix: How Understanding Neuroscience Enhances Treatment Compliance

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The Brain Fix explains the symptomology and behaviors of an addiction using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. New and improved brain imaging techniques (fMRI, SPECT, MRS, CT, PET, and EEG) over the last decade have opened up new opportunities to provide insight into what recovery is and how therapy, nutrition and drugs can catalyze the recovery process. The Brain Fix helps put treatment into perspective and action because one can actually visualize the addiction as an imbalance of interconnecting circuits that trigger distorted thinking and feelings around drugs and behavior, which otherwise would be abstract concepts beyond their imagination and reach. The illustration provides a backdrop on which tradition treatments (CBT, IPT, trauma resolution, 12-step, and antidepressants) as well as novel techniques (EDMR, positive psychology, meditation) can be explained, supported and connected. Finally, this concrete neuroscientific explaination enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than weight gain, refeeding, and abstinence from inappropriate behaviors are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Many times it is hard to communicate with addicts struggling with various negative complaints, just how wellness methods play out in the healing process. With the onslaught of new brain imaging techniques (PET scans, fMRI, EEGs) and new brain pathway discoveries in the field of neurochemistry, there is fortunately a window of opportunity to begin to allow anyone to visualize what is taking place in their bodies as lifestyle changes are practiced. This lends additional credibility to the therapist-patient connection and may accelerate the healing process. It has long been recognized that the body will not respond to what the brain does not understand. The times we heal most efficiently are when we know the cause of our symptoms. By owning an understanding of the healing process, our body is allowed to heal itself and the catalyst for healing are wellness techniques of exercise, nutrition, meditation and behavioral change.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Brain Fix: Healing the Damaged Brain through Integrated Recovery

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

Recovery from any addiction is often a very difficult, challenging and drawn out process. Long before any constructive therapeutic work can commence, the individual needs to break through their denial and admit there is a problem. Even after one accepts their behavior is inappropriate, they continue to resist getting the necessary treatment. There is a feeling their addiction is not that severe and it will go away if they just persevere and abstain from their drug or behavior of choice. If they do commit to treatment, too many times it’s all about adhering to only what they think recovery looks like and what they perceive as efficacious care. There are some whom may eventually fully understand recovery intellectually, but too many times think head knowledge is all that is needed and then the healing process is complete. If the addict never connects with the final stage of recovery, which is emotional commitment and total surrender, the potential for long-term (permanent, if you will) recovery will never manifest. Unfortunately, most addicts will either find themselves relapsing, cross addicting, or fighting their cravings tooth and nail for the rest of their lives.

Words like surrender; spiritual; higher power; feelings, hope, intimacy and other abstract therapeutic terms sometimes are meaningless phrases that the addicts learn to repeat in therapy sessions or support groups. These concepts are part of a world that they cannot fully comprehend, but they feel that they must put up a good front, move the process along, and get on with their lives. Being able to grasp these abstract concepts is frustrating to addicts who pride themselves as being intelligent, but many miss the point because they think that just giving lip service to the process will guarantee recovery.

Most will agree that the primary organ that is injured during stress and addiction is the brain. Except for antibiotics and chemotherapy, no medication or therapy by itself cures a disease. Truly drugs and therapy are necessary as a catalyst for healing, mitigating symptoms, preventing diseases and progression, reducing risk and making the process of healing more likely to occur. But in every other instance, the body heals itself. Something physical is happening in brain during this recovery process that can be observed as a change.

Nerve cells are destroyed, dendrites (nerve connections) are rerouted, neurotransmitters are depleted and nerve coatings (myelin) are diminished during the years of abuse stemming from stress, trauma, addiction and poor nutrition. The first thing that has to happen is to cease completely the further destruction of brain tissue, which necessitates total and complete abstinence. This obviously means no cross addictions whether chemical (to include caffeine and nicotine) or process (food, gambling, sex, etc). The healing process of regeneration, repair and replenishment necessitates a stimulation, which is provided by therapy, 12- step, meditation, medication (i.e. SSRI – antidepressants) and exercise. This entire stimulus for healing is for naught without proper nutrition to provide the necessary nutrients and raw materials (omega – 3 fatty acids and protein), energy (low glycemic load carbohydrates) and protection (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients). Yet effective healing takes place during stages III and IV sleep and there must be a program of sleep hygiene in place to insure that periods of appropriate sleep are achieved.

Thanks to the innovations in brain imaging, scientist can actually look into the brain and begin to see what is going on in addiction and recovery. Though relatively in its infancy, neurochemistry offers the potential to connect how therapy produces recovery. It also offers a window to those who fight understanding how abstinence, 12-steps, therapy, nutrition, exercise, drugs, sleep and all the modalities used in a treatment program contribute to recovery.

Therefore, by employing a model of recovery as the healing brain, the patient can assign purpose; meaning and hope to the recovery process and it may for the first time begin to make sense. The healing brain model helps explains the symptomology, heredity and behaviors of all addictions using a neuroscientific model to point out particular circuits, nuclei, and neurotransmitters involved in the disease process. It is a unique approach to break through denial and contribute to a higher level of adherence to treatment by formulating a viable explaination for a complicated condition. Employing a user-friendly visual brain atlas, the patient is provided a sense of empowerment to achieve a greater measure of control over his or her life. Recently published scientific research on serotonin, brain plasticity, nerve cell regeneration and the neorcortex provides encouragement and connection to the patients and their families who perceive recovery as an extensive, confusing and often helpless ordeal. New and improved brain imaging techniques (fMRI, SPECT, MRS, CT, PET, and EEG) over the last decade have opened up new opportunities to provide insight into what recovery is and how therapy, nutrition and drugs can catalyze the recovery process. The “Healing Brain” helps put treatment into perspective and action because one can actually visualize the addiction and stress as an imbalance of interconnecting circuits that trigger distorted thinking and feelings around cravings and behaviors, which otherwise would be abstract concepts beyond their imagination and reach. The illustration provides a backdrop on which tradition treatments (CBT, IPT, trauma resolution, 12-step, and antidepressants) as well as novel techniques (EDMR, positive psychology, meditation) can be explained, supported and connected. Finally, this concrete neuroscientific explaination enhances long term recovery by incorporating support for why more than abstinence from inappropriate behaviors and head knowledge are necessary to prevent future relapse.

Affective neuroscience is the study of how emotions are generated by the brain. Brain imaging (fMRI and PET scans) explores pockets of the brain where emotions develop and provide a detailed neural schematic. By mapping how the brain generates and processes emotion, it may unfold ways people might use the power of their own minds to overcome the crippling impact of depression and addiction and may even improve their physical health as well. Many research projects have been done on negative types of emotion such as depression, stress and trauma. On the other hand, research on positive types of emotion has not been studied as much. As of late, studies on happiness are now getting more attention. People are in control of reaching ultimate happiness by following three components: pleasure, engagement and meaning. There are numerous parallels between spirituality, 12- step models and authentic happiness that may influence a restructuring of our brain and hence provide healing.

Much like nutrition and strength training are interdependent while building muscles, what we eat has a significant influence on how the brain heals during recovery. The brain only has so much reserve. The combination of abuse (addiction/eating disorders) and neglect (poor eating habits) takes an even further toll on mental function. Fortunately, the brain is malleable and with proper nutrients: nerves are regenerated, proper circuitry is restored, neurotransmitters are replaced and optimal brain functioning is possible. New research has revealed how to design a food plan that maximizes the healing of the brain and expedites recovery.

Healing takes place during stages III and IV. Even though people think they are getting proper sleep, many addicts fail to achieve these stages. The environment, the therapy, genetics and past history play a part in achieving proper sleep, and a complete program will intervene to make this final component not just an interesting concept, but a reality.

The healing brain model therefore is really echoing what has been taking place in good treatment programs for decades. The Model does dictate that therapist change their methods of treatment or philosophies. The healing brain model is merely an effective vehical that integrates all aspects of healing and enlist the emotional participation of the patient for more efficient, complete, and perhaps faster recovery.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.