Neurotransmitters: Damage and Repair
Neurochemical Dysfunction 
The nervous system is the body’s primary communication system. Comprised of a network of nerve cells called neurons, it relays information from neuron to neuron by receptors providing both electrical and chemical stimulation. Chemical stimulation naturally occurs by transmitting chemicals called neurotransmitters. Through a highly regulated electrochemical chain of events, the brain uses neurotransmitters to communicate with both itself and other organs and tissues in the body.

In this manner information is transmitted, neuron to neuron, from one area of the brain or body to another. When this information eventually reaches its final destination, the message is translated into an emotion or action. The following video illustrates this process.

Neurotransmitters define our moods, actions and our overall health.  The body synthesizes neurotransmitters from nutrients (amino acids & proteins) obtained through our diet.  The list of clinical problems associated with neurotransmitter imbalance from alcohol and substance abuse is long and continues to grow as researchers establish important links between the scientific and clinical effects of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters play a significant role in the region of the brain that governs satisfaction. The videos here show meth as an example of how alcohol and drugs increase chemical concentration in these regions of the brain by imitating natural neurotransmitters, causing excess stimulation of the receptors.

Addictive use and tolerance (the need for ever higher doses to get the same effect) combined with poor habits, lifestyle, and choices (psychosocial dysfunction) further disrupt brain functioning to the extent that when addictive use ceases, abstinence symptoms arise that further interfere with an individual’s ability to maintain sobriety. These symptoms—hypersensitivity, overreaction to stress, restlessness, anxiety, lack of satisfaction, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, sleep problems, depression, and so on—create an uncomfortable sobriety and often lead to craving and relapse.

How do we help?
The body synthesizes neurotransmitters from nutrients, mostly derived from amino acids, which are the building blocks of neurotransmitters. They are obtained through diet, or can be manufactured by the body under the right conditions and precursors.

Scientists and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) now agree that five key neurotransmitters act as agents in changing cell function in the brain and subsequent behavior. The amount and availability of these natural neurotransmitters can be reduced by such addictive substances as dopamine (for reward), GABA (anxiety), norepinephrine (depression), enkephalins (craving), and serotonin (sleep). 

Research has found that abstinence without treatment may require 13 to 36 months for neurotransmitter pathways to rebalance and repair themselves. When this balance is eventually reached, it provides the patient an almost 90% chance of not relapsing (Dennis et al, Eval Rev, 2007). Results can be greatly improved or accelerated if the patient also follows a plan of health wellness that includes regular sleep (8 hours), good nutrition (low carbohydrates), and regular activity (30 minutes daily).

With the introduction of appropriate amino acids (neurotransmitter precursors) in addition to health wellness and other essential vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and nutrient derivatives, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the severity of artificial chemical craving symptoms in a matter of days or weeks.

Neurochemical Therapy
Our program employs scientific research that shows how neurotransmitter damage can be repaired. St. Gregory’s protocols were developed to target and restore the key neurotransmitters that can bring brain chemistry into normal balance, reduce cravings, and allow optimal brain functioning. These elements are the highest quality nutrients available and work as they target specific neurotransmitter deficiencies to achieve maximum benefit.

The St. Gregory DAAP^© program works to repair damage from the following substances:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine / Crack Cocaine
• Opiates / Opioids (Heroin, Oxycontin, Percocete)
• Benzodiazepines (Valium, Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan)
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• Tobacco
• Marijuana

Why is this important?

With the use of appropriate amino acids, along with other essential vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and nutrient derivatives, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the severity of abstinence-based symptoms, craving, and relapse.


After the initial lab work and assessment at St. Gregory, patients are treated with a protocol of amino acids that actually help rebuild the damaged areas of the brain. These basic amino acids are specially formulated to penetrate and positively influence neurotransmitters. Because the amino acids give the brain what it craves in a natural, non-habit-forming way while rebuilding the neurotransmitters, the cravings begin to recede very rapidly. During this period, neurochemistry stabilizes and cellular structures regenerate, creating the potential for reduced cravings, reduced tendency to relapse, and positive change after completing the St. Gregory program.

The individualized, three-phase Directed Amino Acid Program™ (DAAP) is based on lab work and assessment results during your admission to the St. Gregory Recovery Program. These results direct the different phases of the DAAP Program, addressing appropriate natural neurotransmitter deficiencies and taking into consideration an individual’s unique biochemistry. Though certain neurotransmitters may show a deficiency or surplus, other neurotransmitters may need to be brought into balance before initiating the primary protocol.

Phase I (usually lasts three to five days)
In Phase I, guests are treated with a protocol of amino acids that actually aid in restoring biochemical balance to dysfunctional areas of the brain while providing nutrition and hydration. During this phase, the fastest and most effective means of delivering these nutrients is intravenously. The use of intravenous nutrient therapy delivers the amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract where most orally administered supplements are lost due to poor absorption.

The intravenous delivery of nutrients (managed by St. Gregory doctors and nurses) assures a more rapid, predictable delivery and optimization of key nutrients into the bloodstream and brain, thereby achieving therapeutic levels not easily obtainable with oral supplements or diet alone. During this period, neurochemistry stabilizes and cellular structures are repaired, creating the potential for reduced cravings, reduced tendency to relapse, and the opportunity for positive change.

Phase II (Six Weeks)
This phase is structured in a way that mimics the body’s natural circadian rhythms (a 24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological, or behavioral process), balancing excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter levels. Phase II is delivered daily with a patented oral protocol of SynaptaGenX.

SynaptaGenX is the result of more than 30 years of research and 23 clinical trials, and represents the latest findings in Amino Acid Therapy for assistance in addiction recovery. SynaptaGenX is a Neuroadaptagen Amino Acid Therapy utilizing a patented liposomal technology that improves absorption and maximizes bioavailability. The primary purpose of SynaptaGenX is to help regulate cravings. It also helps support focus and cognition, enhanced energy, neurotransmitter balance, optimal brain function, and healthy moods.

Phase III (As Recommended)
The final phase is a maintenance phase recommended when the patient’s neurotransmitter levels have been optimized.

Animations Courtesy of UCLA Eyes of the World and Dr. Arthur W. Toga, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, UCLA

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

According to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, Section 201 (g) (1), the term "DRUG" is defined to mean:

"Articles intended for use in the Diagnosis, Cure, Mitigation, Treatment or Prevention of disease."

A Vitamin is not a drug, neither is a Mineral, Trace Element, Herb or Amino Acid.

Although a Vitamin, Mineral, Trace Element, Herb or Amino Acid may have an effect on any disease process or symptoms, this does not mean that it can be misrepresented, or be classified as a drug by anyone.

Therefore, please be advised that any suggested nutritional advice or dietary advice is not intended as any primary treatment and or therapy for any disease or particular bodily symptom.

Nutritional counseling, vitamin recommendations, nutritional advice, and the adjunctive schedule of nutrition and it's delivery is provided solely to upgrade the quality and supply of beneficial nutrition supporting the physiological and bio-mechanical processes of the human body.