Alcohol Rehab Program

The Liver Enzyme

Certain types of Alcoholics are more likely to have a certain gene affecting the receptor sites for Dopamine, a central nervous system neurotransmitter that aids communication between nerve cells. Dopamine is also associated with pleasure seeking behavior.

In 1977 a Harvard research study identified a liver enzyme responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Known as Alcohol Dehydrogenase II (II ADH) this enzyme can process or oxidize alcohol up to 40% more efficiently than the liver enzymes present in most people. The presence of this enzyme allows an individual to consume more alcohol than the average person without becoming intoxicated.

Alcoholics and Non-Alcoholics process alcohol differently.

Normally when alcohol reaches the liver it is converted into Acetaldehyde then quickly into Acetic Acid or an Acetate. The Acetic Acid is quickly converted into Carbon Dioxide and water which are expelled as waste products.

Because an Alcoholic can process alcohol at a much quicker rate the levels of Acetaldeyde build up rapidly causing damage to the liver cells before it can be converted into Acetic Acid. (This damage also affects the livers ability to process other nutrients needed for proper health.)

The build up of Acetaldhyde also allows some of it to escape into the blood stream before it can be converted into harmless byproducts. Once in the blood stream the Acetaldhyde moves to the heart where it interferes with protein synthesis of the heart muscle.

Acetalhyde reaching the brain blocks certain neurotransmitters affecting feelings, behavior and memory. Whats more is that the neurotransmitters the acetalhyde is blocking can combine to form THIQs, terahydroisoquinolines, which are chemically very similar to the opiates created by narcotics such as Heroin and Morphine.

Individuals with the extra liver enzymes which speed the process of alcohol oxidation are able to consume more alcohol without feeling the effects. However the long term effect is such that it builds up addictive chemicals in the brain more rapidly than in people who do not have this liver enzyme, thus causing an addiction to alcohol.

When the THIQs block the natural endorphins, the body slows the process of building more of that specific neuro transmitter as its supply is unwarrented. As the supply of these natural endorphins declines more alcohol is required to feel the same effects.