Question and Answer Section
How does the brain work?
The brain is composed of billions of nerve cells, called neurons. Brain activity is the interaction of neurons as they communicate with one another. Neurons do not actually touch one another; instead, they are separated by a small gap called a synapse. Activity within a neuron is electrical; however electrical activity cannot cross the synapse. When one neuron wants to signal another, it releases a number of neurotransmitter chemical molecules into the synapse. For each type of neurotransmitter, the receiving neuron has specific receptor sites on the surface. As neurotransmitter molecules bind to a receptor site, the process causes electrical activity in the receptor neuron. The receiving neuron then releases the neurotransmitter molecules so that the sending neuron can absorb them from the synapse in a process called re-uptake, stopping the communication.
How do we feel pleasure?
The presence of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in the synapses of the reward center of the brain is directly related to every feeling of pleasure we experience, from eating good food to falling in love. Other neurotransmitters mediate other emotions and attitudes. .
How do people become addicted?
As people continue to use addictive substances, receptor function decreases, which requires the increased use of substances for pleasure or just a sense of well being. In the absence of external substances, the body experiences a neurotransmission deficit. Some people begin by taking drugs to feel high while others begin by innocently increasing their prescription use to achieve the original effect. There are as many reasons to become addicted as there are people who become addicted. In most cases, NO ONE begins by believing they will become a slave to an external power which completely consumes and controls their life.
What is withdrawal?
When a chemically dependent person is denied access to a substance to which s/he is addicted, the addicted brain goes into a frenzy that manifests itself in the physical symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms may be life threatening and may induce agitation, hallucinations, intestinal upsets, severe muscular aches, etc. After withdrawal, the body may be completely free of the addicting substance, yet neurotransmitters of the brain are still not in balance. This may lead to physical feelings of craving, an almost overwhelming desire to use the substance again.
What is Brain Restoration+ Detox? (BR+ Detox)
The physical and mental condition resulting from chemical dependence means that the brain is just not working correctly because neurotransmission is thrown out of balance. Rebalancing the brain requires detoxification and cell function stabilization. BR+ Detox is a protocol that administers a co-enzyme along with combinations of amino acids, vitamins and minerals taken orally. This process renders the patient nearly or completely free of cravings.

BR+ Detox is an eight to ten day outpatient process based upon the patient’s history and their needs. It is given intravenously to assist the patient through a comfortable withdrawal reducing or eliminating physical cravings. Specially trained nurses under the supervision of a licensed physician, administer each treatment.

What is the treatment process?
The detox treatment usually takes ten days. The IV infusion varies from day to day. A patient questionnaire, a physical and blood tests provide a medical history and assessment of the patient. The physician reviews the results and develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of the patient. Each day of the treatment, a nurse inserts an IV line. The patient relaxes in a lounge chair while the BR+ Detox formulation is slowly infused through the vein. The uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal and cravings subside and remain at bay surprisingly quickly. Between the fourth and eighth day patients typically report feelings of amazing mental clarity. Infusions are tolerated well and any mild side effects disappear at the cessation of infusion. The severe physical symptoms of withdrawal vanish; however, the full protocol is required to complete the treatment and minimize or eliminate physical cravings. Note that following treatment the psychological aspects of addiction still need to be addressed. During the day the patient may watch television, read, eat, and even doze. At the end of the day, the IV is disconnected and the patient leaves the outpatient clinic.
What about multiple addictions?
Based on an accurately completed patient questionnaire, BR+ Detox can simultaneously treat addictions to many combinations of prescribed or illicit substances, including drugs, alcohol and nicotine.
Is BR+ a cure for addiction?
The disease of addiction is a chronic illness just like diabetes. There is no cure to date. BR+ is a safe, effective management tool.
Can the patient ever resume use?
No. If the patient uses any mood altering substances after treatment is complete, the brain’s chemical balance will be altered and physical cravings will likely return. If, however, a patient does relapse, a simple one or two day booster will be sufficient for restoration provided the patient returns for a booster as soon as possible after using or if cravings return.
After treatment, is normal life possible?
After treatment the patient is no longer physically addicted and may certainly resume a normal life; however, an addicted person will typically not have been leading a normal life for some time. In order to rejoin the world successfully, a variety of aftercare coping strategies can be helpful. We will be happy to refer to any of the following:

1. AA, NA, and/or other 12-step program
2. Individual psychotherapy
3. Group psychotherapy
4. Family psychotherapy
5. Nutrition programs
6. Exercise programs
7. Affinity and other social groups
8. Residential and/or Intensive Outpatient Programs

Is the treatment safe?
Yes. It is completely safe. Licensed nurses work under the supervision of a licensed physician who approves a customized treatment plan and reviews progress. The intravenous solutions are made by a U.S. licensed compounding pharmacy.
Who can become addicted?
Anyone can become addicted if s/he overuses powerful, mood-altering substances; however, there is a growing body of evidence to indicate that certain people are at greater risk for becoming addicted. Statistically speaking, a spectrum of problems (alcohol, drug, tobacco addiction, etc.) tend to occur together, rather than being independent variables. There may be a genetic basis for a propensity to become addicted.

A gene on Chromosome 11 manages a specific dopamine receptor (D2). There are two major versions of the gene: A1 is found in approximately 25% of the population; A2 is found in about 75%. In one study, 52% of cocaine addicts had the A1 version, and only 21% of non-addicts had that version. Other studies have found that the presence of the A1 version is strongly associated with the above problems and many other obsessive-compulsive disorders. Individuals with the A1 version may have thirty percent fewer D2 receptors than those with the A2 version. Fewer dopamine receptors may mean that A1 carriers are not rewarded by the same internally generated stimulus that A2 carriers find satisfying. Thus, they self-medicate, seeking the satisfaction. NAD is crucial in the production of dopamine.

Programs to evaluate genetic determinants to brain function are emerging. We are able to link up with resources that begin to address these issues that may result in an improved aftercare program. Addiction is a medical condition that involves the chemistry of the brain. The restoration of the chemical imbalances of the brain is the major requirement for clarity of mind and mood stabilization. BR+ Detox assists in this process. We also believe that the use of specific amino acid supplementation and the use of L-methylfolate also assist in the process of brain restoration.