Earlier in this booklet, we discussed the presence of drug metabolites in the addict’s system and how metabo­lites play a role in stimulating memories associated with drug and alcohol use. The addict’s brain also identifies the chemicals in drugs or alcohol as substances that restrict or enhance the release of naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain. In some cases, the brain identifies the chemicals in some drugs as superior to the body’s natural chemicals.

The body normally creates its own chemicals to act as a reward system that makes eating, exercising and procreat­ing enjoyable. Other naturally-occurring chemicals act as painkillers that kick into action when we get hurt or expe­rience pain. These natural chemicals are directly involved with promoting our physical well-being in one way or another.

Drugs and alcohol are composed of such strong chemi­cals that they can overpower the body’s own natural chem­istry and create intoxication and euphoria.

When a person uses drugs on a regular basis, his or her body becomes depleted of key nutrients and amino acids (amino acids are the building blocks for the body’s natural chemicals). These nutritional deficiencies prevent the body from receiving the nutritional energy that it needs to produce and release the natural chemicals.

In short, drugs take over the functions of the body’s own natural chemicals. The brain and body are fooled into thinking that the drug or alcohol is the natural chemical it needs.

When drugs or alcohol are present in the addict’s system, the perception is that the body chemistry is work­ing and all is well. When the drugs or alcohol leave the addict’s system, the brain and body perceive a shortage of natural body chemicals. This perceived shortage adds to the lethargy and lack of enjoyment experienced by the addict when he or she is not under the influence of drugs.

This condition then contributes to the compulsion and drive for an addict to take more drugs or alcohol, despite the frequently life-threatening circumstances an addict faces on a day-to-day basis.

The drug or alcohol gets misidentified as an aid to the production and release of the natural chemicals when, in fact, it is suppressing the body’s ability to manufacture them.