I published a list of papers published in 1985 in Scientific
American.  In Mar/Apr issue of Professional Counselor, Joel C.
Roberton, Pharm.D. published an article entitled "Breaking the Cycle of
Relapse"  This is one of the first articles published on the
neurochemical model of addiction, stating tht the process of addiction
is linked to changes in the biochemistry, particulary in terms of the
lowest levels of certain neurochemicals and hormones-in the individual
who abuses alcohol or other drugs.
The article also had a diagram of the synapse, presynaptic neuron, and
the postsynaptic neuron.  IT ALSO HAD THIS STATEMENT: "What a person
eats affects the levels of neurochemicals in the brain.  Neurochemicals
are formed in the body from amino acids found in the protein consumed.
The type of protein that a person eats alters the kinds of amino acids
that are available to synthesize neurochemicals; if a particular amino
acid is in short supply, the corresponding neurochemical may be
depeleted.  On the other hand, meals high in carbohydrates allow more
absorption of trptohahn, so taht the amount of inhibitary neurochemical
serotonin is increased and nerve impulse transmission is SLOWED.
Since vitamins and minerals are needed for the manufacture of
neurochemicals, a diet deficient in these compounds will slow down the
formation of neurochemicals.  A deficiency in amino acids, vitamins, or
minerals would decrease the amount of neurochemicals releases by neurons
and would cause slowing of nerve signal transmission.
Cerain chemicals, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription
pharmaceuticals, also can increase or decrease the supply of
neurochemicals.  In fact, the underlying usefulness of trycyclic
antidepressant medications, such as Elavil, is that they normalizw the
supply of neurochemicals.
There is a correlation between neurochemicals, behavior, and addiction.
Behaviors, both positive and negative, cause changes in the level of
neurochemicals.  Many individuals have experienced the temporary elation
that occurs after a successful athletic competiton.  In this case, the
behavior of engaging in aerobic activity caused a change in
neurochemicals;....."
That was publised in 1989.
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--- JCQWK
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