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The Endorphin Connection.....

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11214

Very interesting discussion Dave. Thanks for posting this.

Many people with mood and anxiety disorders or have went through past trauma use alcohol to self sooth. It can be such a vicious cycle - the more you drink the worse you feel - the worse you feel the more you want to drink. Also, when depressed it can feel impossible to do any healthy, positive activities. It can seem much easier to reach for a bottle. It takes an incredible amount of strength to fight through this and try other activities. When depressed you cannot wait to feel motivated to do something you have to put action before motivation. Learning to get there can be an ongoing battle. Sounds like you are doing amazing getting through the rough spots. Congrats on 9 weeks!

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1009

Hi David,

Very interesting your psychiatrist mentioned the endorphin thing. As to the martial arts, if you haven't done it before don't be concerned about the stretching or absorbing punches or kicks. It's not that way at all. If fact it's the opposite. Good studios are very concerned about the well-being of the student and strongly encourage you to do what is comfortable for you. The goal is the long haul, not the short visit. But there is always yoga, tai chi, or better yet, kung fu if you can find a good studio.

Best regards,

Dave

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 154

Hi Dave,

I used to jog (run) regularly when I was younger; the farther and/or the faster I ran the greater the endorphin rush. You raise an interesting point when you state that alcohol creates a pleasant endorphin release as well. I call it a "pleasant or comfortable buzz."

I now walk for exercise because of a sciatic nerve condition in my back which becomes inflamed if I jog or run too far. Interestingly, however, my psychiatrist mentioned only a couple of weeks ago that I should get back into some form of aerobic exercise, and if I couldn't jog then take up rowing or swimming. He mentioned this after I told him I quit drinking and missed the buzz. He said the aerobic exercise could replace the buzz in a natural and beneficial way. So, there you have it from a professional psychiatrist who was previously a seasoned family doctor.

I also agree with you about the mental and physical benefits of martial arts, except my body is getting too old to do the strenuous stretching required and to absorb the punches and kicks associated with karate. Maybe I'll take up yoga or Tai chi?

All is love.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 118

Thanks for this information Dave. Interesting. Makes sense. John

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1009

Hi everyone,

I'd like your opinion on the subject of endorphins and the effect of our long term alcohol abuse has had on the chronic need for the endorphin fix. Drinking alcohol creates that pleasant endorphin release that allows us to deal with stress, depression, trauma, etc. While alcohol provides temporary relief, what is the long-term impact of years of endorphin release on the "craving" aspect of drinking? Are the triggers really aiming for alcohol consumption or is alcohol a means to an end and it's really endorphins we seek? Have we re-wired ourselves to crave an endorphin rush and use alcohol as our "quick fix"? If that is indeed the case then replacing the endorphin rush with consistent, healthy activities and additional vitamin supplements that we are naturally low on will go a long way to managing the recovery process. Some people will naturally need more of this than others for sure and it makes sense how people become "addicted" to exercise (a very positive thing). Martial arts is an amazing way to get both physical and mental exercise and promotes long term goals because you are always working towards a new level.

I may be stating the obvious so bare with me if I have but I noticed this for myself the last few days. I'm on week 9 of no drinking and for no real reason I can see I've noticed I've been agitated and generally anxious for no reason I could explain.....at least until I went riding on my motorcycle and got a 2 hour endorphin fix. Spending the day at the race track getting an 8 hour endorphin injection really helps too. Finding newer, healthy ways to ensure we maintain a healthy bio-chemical balance through exercise, artistic pursuits, dancing, service to others, a higher power, whatever, as long as we realize and understand the need to balance ourselves and pay attention to this aspect of ourselves.

Here are a couple interesting articles that expand on this idea:

http://theprimalparent.com/2011/08/18/sex-drugs-and-over-exercising-endorphins/

http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20090319/endorphins-play-a-role-in-alcohols-effects

Clearly this is an area that has been under review for some time. I guess it just took a inexplicable, crumby mood for me to realize it and start to research the subject and catch up.

Looking forward to hearing your insights.

Best regards,

Dave

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The Endorphin Connection.....