THIQ and Its Relationship with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Researchers have found that THIQ is found in the brains of chronic alcoholics. While the substance is not manufactured in the brains of social drinkers, it does show up in the cerebrums of those addicted to alcohol.
So, what exactly is THIQ and what effects does it have on brain functioning?
What Is THIQ?
The long drawn out name for THIQ is tetrahydroisoquinoline. This substance also appears when people use heroin. As noted, it also has been shown to be present in the brains of heavy drinkers
When researching THIQ, clinicians found that an addicted alcoholic often suffers from a degeneration of their endorphin receptors. Either endorphins stimulate the receptors or a molecule affects the receptor, which causes the manufacture of THIQ.
THIQ is what is produced when monoamine neurotransmitters break down. In turn monoamine oxidase attacks the neurotransmitters, which wipes out the receptors for recycling. When acetaldehyde is present, THIQ forms, thereby plugging into the endorphin receptors and stimulating them. This is called an agonist action.
The part of the molecule that does not conform in shape to the neurotransmitter cannot be removed by the monoamine oxidase. Therefore, it cannot be repurposed. This secondary agonist process is permanent.
As more endorphin receptors are taken out of the picture, it causes more THIQ to be formed, which causes an alcoholic to increase their intake over time.
As a result, chronic alcohol use can lead to addiction. But what many people don’t realize is that there’s a middle ground between casual drinking and a full-blown issue with addiction. This middle ground is called THIQ, or “tetrahydroisoquinoline.“
Therefore, THIQ is a substance that’s produced in the body when alcohol is metabolized. It’s also found in trace amounts in some plants. THIQ is structurally similar to dopamine, and acts on the same brain receptors.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with pleasure and reward. When dopamine is released, it creates a feeling of euphoria. THIQ amplifies these effects.
A person who drinks heavily and frequently will have high levels of THIQ in their system. Again, this can lead to continual dependence.
THIQ is also believed to play a role in alcohol tolerance. Alcoholics who have been drinking for a long time will need to drink more and more to get the same effect as THIQ alters the brain’s chemistry.
How Acetaldehyde Impacts Alcohol Use
The acetaldehyde that is present when THIQ is present is shown, in research studies, to impact addiction. It is also found in cigarette smoke. In addition, genetics is also part of the equation.
Alcohol dehydrogenase breaks down alcohol. When this happens, either too much or too little alcohol dehydrogenase may occur. If the gap is too great, a person can end up becoming addicted. That’s because the levels of both enzymes are determined genetically. If the gap is too wide, it predisposes a person toward addiction.
Some scientists theorize that investigators are focusing more on the metabolism of alcohol rather than the metabolism of acetaldehyde, as acetaldehyde1, from all indications, is what supports the addiction.
Therefore, it’s important to look at the genetic markers for acetaldehyde production and correlate the incidence of the substance with various genetic groups when assessing an alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Addiction and Genetics
Not everyone then will get addicted to alcohol. That’s because how they respond to the substance has a lot to do with their genetic makeup and brain chemistry. This idea was presented by Virginia Davis, a medical scientist who elaborated on the alcoholic disease model back in the 1970s.
When Ms. Davis began her studies, she was making investigations on how cancer affected the brain. During her research, she often examined the brains of the cadavers of homeless people. During her research, she found that alcoholics had THIQ in the brain – the same as heroin users.
Some of her colleagues laughed at the finding, telling the researcher that the corpses represented “skid row” drinkers. Therefore, it defied logic that they could afford or use heroin as well.
Today, we know that THIQ can also be manufactured in the brains of chronic alcoholics. However, scientists have not yet determined, for sure, why some people can binge drink and walk away from the activity and other people become addicted.
While scientists still are seeking more answers along these lines, a person with a substance abuse disorder can still get help. The more we know about the reasons for addiction, the easier it is to plan a treatment program.
Cravings for Alcohol
THIQ, undoubtedly, is thought to be responsible for the cravings that some people have for alcohol. This means that THIQ can make it very hard for an alcoholic to stay sober.
If you are an alcoholic, or you know someone who is, it is important to be aware of THIQ and its effects. If you are struggling to stay sober, there are programs and resources available to help you.
That’s because THIQ heightens the pleasurable effects of drinking. Therefore, the danger the substances cause can seem harmless. A variety of health risks are associated with heavy drinking. If you’re unable to stop drinking and have built up a tolerance, the only way to overcome your addiction is through medical intervention.
Long- and Short-Term Health Risks
The CDC has compiled a long list of health problems associated with chronic alcoholism. Over time, the excess use of alcohol can lead to serious problems with heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease and digestive issues. Also certain cancers are associated with the disease – cancers that affect the mouth, breath, esophagus, throat, liver, rectum, and colon.
You may also get into an auto accident by drinking too much or end up being hospitalized if you get into a fight. Because you lose your inhibition, you’re more likely to experience short-term risks to your health and well-being. This includes unprotected sex or miscarriage or stillbirth if you’re pregnant.
Getting Over an Addiction Problem: What You Need to Remember
Alcoholism is not something that should make you feel ashamed.
Therefore, it’s important to remember the following:
- Alcoholism is not a weakness. It’s proven, because of changes in the brain’s chemistry, that it is a disease.
- Heavy drinking is not the fault of the alcoholic. It’s more the result of the loss of control due to changes in brain chemistry.
- By getting treatment for an addiction, the patient can be relieved of feelings of guilt and hopelessness, and can take on the responsibility for combating the disease.
- By opting for treatment, the patient has the freedom to to stop the continued activation of a chemical, like THIQ, which is already present in their system.
- People struggling with AUD can and do recover from an addiction.2 If they seek treatment and are honest with themselves, they can and will see progress.
Final Thoughts About Addiction and THIQ Research
Thankfully, researchers are learning more and more information that will help people overcome addiction problems. The current information gives both patients and medical providers renewed energy and hope.
Seeking Help
If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, and you’re looking to find a way out, please contact us. The first step – reaching out and admitting you have a problem — is always the hardest. You deserve the hope and peace that comes with recovery. You deserve to live a rewarding life without the shame and pain of addiction. Call us today to start reclaiming your life.
