THIQ and Disordered Alcohol Use

Alcohol use disorder has been called by many names throughout history and is the most common addiction in the world. If you have trouble controlling your alcohol use, you may have a disorder. Most research into the science of alcohol addiction, and the brain, has only really been around in the last century. Science has been chasing the hope of finding a genetic cause for addiction for a long time. While they have found some clues, there are no definitive answers. However, while researching the brain, a doctor found some important clues to the chemical process that people addicted to alcohol are using.

The answer, they say, may lie in THIQ, also known as tetrahydroisoquinoline. Scientists are working on a way to emulate its process in the brain and develop medication-assisted treatment using their knowledge of it.

What is THIQ, Exactly?

THIQ is a unique chemical that was first found in the brains of people with heroin addiction. Until that is, one day, a researcher discovered that it was also found in the brains of hardcore alcoholics after they died. Because the body can only manufacture this chemical, it seemed to be a likely link for solving the disease of alcohol addiction. When other, more moderate drinkers were studied, the chemical was nowhere to be found in their systems.

Researchers in the addiction field believe that THIQ helps prove a chemical process in the brains of the addicted. While many scientists are still searching for a standard “genetic” cause for alcohol addiction, science has already proved that there are chemical changes involved in addiction.

THIQ and Alcohol Addiction

While almost all people addicted to alcohol have brains that produce THIQ, there are a few who do not. Science has not yet revealed why some addicted people convert alcohol to THIQ and why others do not. THIQ, we do know, seems to be produced and accumulated in the brain. It may cause a person to crave and use alcohol excessively. However, there have been some alcoholics who don't have THIQ in their brains. So while THIQ accumulation may cause some people to become addicted, there are other causes of alcohol addiction as well.

THIQ is just one piece of the puzzle behind alcohol addiction. One sure thing is that alcohol addiction is a disorder of the brain as well as the body. Addiction is a disease that causes destruction and pain in the life of the addicted person and their family.

The good news is that addiction is treatable, and there’s help available for those who are willing to seek it.

Getting Help for Addiction

Do you need help for your alcohol use? Addiction is a disease that needs treatment. We can help you get started on the road to recovery. We offer a peaceful, therapeutic and compassionate environment to help you along the way. Reach out to us at US (949) 279-1376 or MX (612) 153-5726.