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02-02-2007, 02:00 AM
The THIQ Phenomenon
Before Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members were aware of the phenomenon of "THIQ" (tetrahydroisoquinolone), they defined alcoholism (http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/alcoholism_5_1.html) as an obsession of the mind and an allergy of the body. As far back as 1935, AA members were aware that their bodies reacted differently when they drank alcohol, as compared to the social drinker.
Considerable research has been dedicated to the field of chemical dependency since 1935. We now know that out of all the possible factors that can lead to alcoholism, genetics is the most significant factor. In other words, a person is four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol or drugs when there is a history of alcohol or drug (illegal or prescription) dependency in the family tree. This is called a "genetic predisposition." Having a predisposition for becoming dependent on alcohol or other sedative type drugs means that the individual may have a different bio-chemical makeup than the person who has no family history of alcoholism. This is explained by the phenomenon of THIQ. Some researchers believe that there is a certain gene for alcoholism, which may direct the production of THIQ.
Medical researchers have discovered that this chemical, tetrahydroisoquinolone, or THIQ, is present in the brains of alcoholics and persons who are dependent on depressants, sedative type drugs. Alcoholics have shown levels of this THIQ in their urine and, during autopsies, THIQ has been found in the brains of people who were alcoholics. THIQ is manufactured during the detoxification process of alcohol-a process that is different for alcoholics than for non-alcoholics.
The following explains the detoxification (breakdown) process of alcohol in a person who is not an alcoholic:
1. Alcohol is drunk.
2. The alcohol goes to the liver and the liver changes it into a chemical called acetaldehyde.
3. Acetaldehyde is a poisonous chemical that is immediately changed to acetic acid (vinegar) in a non-alcoholic.
4. The vinegar is changed to water and carbon dioxide and is thereby eliminated.
The alcoholic's alcohol detoxification process is slightly different. It is as follows:
1. Alcohol is drunk.
2. The alcohol goes to the liver and the liver changes it into a chemical called acetaldehyde.
3. Acetaldehyde combines with certain neurotransmitters (chemicals of the brain) to form the complex molecule tetrahydroisoquinolone, or THIQ.
4. This THIQ accumulates in the brain and contributes to cravings for alcohol.
THIQ accumulates in the brain and never goes away. By acting on the pleasure center of the brain, it can produce the same kind of euphoric feelings as cocaine or narcotics such as heroin or morphine. THIQ is also very addictive, which explains why the alcoholic continues to drink even when the alcohol is causing him/her problems. It is very important that a person who is dependent upon alcohol or depressant drugs abstain from all mood/mind-altering drugs, so that the THIQ may live dormant in the brain and not continue to produce cravings.
Before Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members were aware of the phenomenon of "THIQ" (tetrahydroisoquinolone), they defined alcoholism (http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/alcoholism_5_1.html) as an obsession of the mind and an allergy of the body. As far back as 1935, AA members were aware that their bodies reacted differently when they drank alcohol, as compared to the social drinker.
Considerable research has been dedicated to the field of chemical dependency since 1935. We now know that out of all the possible factors that can lead to alcoholism, genetics is the most significant factor. In other words, a person is four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol or drugs when there is a history of alcohol or drug (illegal or prescription) dependency in the family tree. This is called a "genetic predisposition." Having a predisposition for becoming dependent on alcohol or other sedative type drugs means that the individual may have a different bio-chemical makeup than the person who has no family history of alcoholism. This is explained by the phenomenon of THIQ. Some researchers believe that there is a certain gene for alcoholism, which may direct the production of THIQ.
Medical researchers have discovered that this chemical, tetrahydroisoquinolone, or THIQ, is present in the brains of alcoholics and persons who are dependent on depressants, sedative type drugs. Alcoholics have shown levels of this THIQ in their urine and, during autopsies, THIQ has been found in the brains of people who were alcoholics. THIQ is manufactured during the detoxification process of alcohol-a process that is different for alcoholics than for non-alcoholics.
The following explains the detoxification (breakdown) process of alcohol in a person who is not an alcoholic:
1. Alcohol is drunk.
2. The alcohol goes to the liver and the liver changes it into a chemical called acetaldehyde.
3. Acetaldehyde is a poisonous chemical that is immediately changed to acetic acid (vinegar) in a non-alcoholic.
4. The vinegar is changed to water and carbon dioxide and is thereby eliminated.
The alcoholic's alcohol detoxification process is slightly different. It is as follows:
1. Alcohol is drunk.
2. The alcohol goes to the liver and the liver changes it into a chemical called acetaldehyde.
3. Acetaldehyde combines with certain neurotransmitters (chemicals of the brain) to form the complex molecule tetrahydroisoquinolone, or THIQ.
4. This THIQ accumulates in the brain and contributes to cravings for alcohol.
THIQ accumulates in the brain and never goes away. By acting on the pleasure center of the brain, it can produce the same kind of euphoric feelings as cocaine or narcotics such as heroin or morphine. THIQ is also very addictive, which explains why the alcoholic continues to drink even when the alcohol is causing him/her problems. It is very important that a person who is dependent upon alcohol or depressant drugs abstain from all mood/mind-altering drugs, so that the THIQ may live dormant in the brain and not continue to produce cravings.