What are addictions? Could they have a genetic basis? Could they be caused by a minor brain chemical imbalance that is easily correctable? In his 1996 article, "The Serotonin Connection," Dr. Bob Nash answered these questions. He had learned from his pain patients that they usually had sleep disturbances. And even after their sleep was re-regulated, they continued to have pain if they took certain drugs. These drugs were alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazapines, and narcotics. And, once these four drugs were stopped, a vast majority of pain patients improved markedly.

With research, observation and some original thought and speculation, Dr. Nash deduced that the underlying cause of many addictions appeared to be a genetic predisposition to low serotonin. Serotonin is one of the brain chemicals we can adjust with medication. Other causes might be micro-nutrient imbalances. However, it appears that a genetic low serotonin state, inherited from our parents' gene pools, is the culprit.

A follow up article, "Integrated Approaches to Addiction", was published by Dr. Nash in the summer of 2000. In it he cites two cases of crack cocaine addiction that were treated by his approach with great success and at low costs. The low serotonin states of many addicts cause problems that have been given many names. However, there may be an
underlying, common cause that is treatable. Many of the most successful in our society have low serotonin states. Many prominent businessmen and politicians may also be prone to alcohol abuse, sexual addiction, and other behaviors that must be guarded against if they are to function optimally in society. Other conditions may also result from low serotonin. Our prison population is near two million with four million on parole. Seventy five percent were arrested while on an addicting substance or attempting to get money for that addicting substance. Could it be that we don't have a crime wave but a society that is genetically predisposed to use drugs due to a correctable brain chemical imbalance?

The approach we recommend for addictions of all types is a balancing of brain chemistry with acupuncture and medications and the balancing of the body's micro-nutrient system with appropriate vitamins and minerals. The cost is low, the recidivism rate is low and the patients and their families are most pleased.

To see if you may have low serotonin you are invited to take the following test. NASH SEROTONERGIC INDEX © 1995
1. Do you usually skip breakfast? Yes_____ No_____
2. Are you refreshed upon awakening from sleep in the morning? Yes_____No_____
3. Do you have outbursts of anger for no apparent reason? Yes_____No_____
4. Were your parents and/or grandparents heavy or daily users of alcohol or     cigarettes? Yes_____ No_____
5. Do you have difficulty sleeping? Yes_____ No_____
6. Are you or your parents work-aholics? Yes_____ No_____
7. Do you prefer to be in control of most situations? Yes_____ No_____
8. Do you have morning stiffness if you don't sleep under more than one  blanket at night? Yes_____ No_____
9. Does noise bother you? Yes_____ No_____
10. Do you feel really good about doing well in school, sports or your job? Yes_____ No_____
11. Do you eat before going to bed? Yes_____ No_____
12. Do you bite your fingernails? Yes_____ No_____
13. Are you a long distance runner or walker or do you do aerobic exercise regularly? Yes_____ No_____

The more yes answers you have, the more likely it is that you have low serotonin which could explain obsessive compulsive addictive behaviors. If you use your low serotonin for school, work or religion you get gold stars in our society. If you tire of these and switch to TV viewing, exercise, shopping or computer addiction no one says anything because it's good for the economy. However, if along your life's path you experiment with what makes you feel good and relaxes you and find the thrill of gambling, sexual release, alcohol or drugs work, you could easily get into trouble. What separates the criminal from the successful individual is precious little, as both may have low serotonin.

If you or a loved one or friend wish to stop smoking or other harmful behaviors, contact DOCTOR NASH or PRIMARY PREVENTION for more information and appointments.

For further information you can look at the sleep page or click on the above articles.

Link to Articles About Addiction:
ACUPUNCTURE, MEDICATION and VITAMINS In the TREATMENT of ADDICTION - By Robert A. Nash, M.D., F.A.A.N., L.P.Ac.