Ok - this may be unrelated BUT part of the Roberta Jewell MWO protocol calls for a GABA supplement. What kind of effect would taking this have on TSM method or any other method for that matter?

I'm only on day 2 but am a total wine drinker. Hope that the drink of choice has no bearing on the outcome.

C

I don't know. A GABA supp may have some kind of function similar to a benzo, which the doctors say may be a nono.

Hi Claremont,

Drinking wine certainly doesn't appear to have been a problem in AJ's case; please see page 1 of this thread.

BTW, thanks for mentioning the MWO protocol calling for a GABA supplement. I wasn't aware of that.

All the very best.

V.

Isn't the possible issue with benzos that they make the brain lazier at GABA production, the same as alcohol?

If so, supplementing GABA is a totally different thing - you're just making up a shortfall that already exists.

I'm taking GABA precursor amino acids daily, and they certainly seem to help me keep more cheerful.

I have no idea 8. Pure speculation.

Re: RJs MWO program. The following PDF is from her most recent update (2006). It seems she isn't that involved anywore. I hope Drs E and S keep up their interest. The program is way too difficult to follow and I start gagging at the thought of taking anything after a couple of days. So, as you might guess, I have a cupboard full of supplements, a lighter wallet and never got past a couple of days before giving up. See page 1 for GABA info. I still am not scientific enough to realize whether it is good or bad to take.

http://www.mywayout.org/supps/update.pdf

10) GABA
GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) is our body’s natural sedative. This neurotransmitter, along with
norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, is closely tied to addiction behavior. In a 15-year project,
researchers identified several sections on chromosome 4 that may contain genes related to alcohol
metabolistm and GABA receptors, which they believe may be responsible for a genetic predisposition to
alcohol dependence. Current theories suggest that people who suffer alcohol addiction have a deficiency of
GABA (as well as glutamine) which results in constant craving and/or stress. In addition, chronic exposure to
alcohol reduces the level of GABA neuroreceptors. It is closely tied to the brain’s reward system. For some
alcoholics, drinking activates the GABA “stop switch” but only for a short-term escape. So ultimately, this activity
uses up stores of the feel good chemicals in the brain, which perpetuates the continued desire for alcohol.
GABA supplementation can help restore brain chemistry, decrease stress and reduce addictive cravings.
We recommend 750 mg. per day of GABA, ideally taken with another MWO supplement containing B-6 (either
the ALL ONE or B-50 tablet). Magnesium also enhances the effect of GABA, so it’s best to coordinate the
dosing.
Dr. Billie Jay Sahley, author of “Control Alcoholism with Amino Acids and Nutrients” recommends dissolving
750 mg. of GABA into eight ounces of water daily to treat acute alcohol withdrawal.

Opinions anyone?

C- Day 4 25 mg
ONE PILL 1x PER DAY. It doesn't get more simple than that!!

Hi Claremont,

I don't know what to believe when it comes to GABA supplementation. I was under the impression that GABA is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. So, presumably, even if GABA is present in one's blood-stream, it can't reach the brain. This is supported (for the most part) by the following article:

http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/news/GABA.html

I will continue to research this.

V.

Someone here mentioned taking GHB as a supp until its notoriety as a date-rape drug curtailed its availability. The unavailability may be a good thing: http://www.projectghb.org/ghbtruth.htm

As for GABA, I often read that its use as a calming supp is dubious because it is thought not to cross the blood/brain barrier. Taking a glutiathone precursor such as L-Glutamine or whey protein is better. Glutiathone stimulates GABA production.Here's a link from an old post of mine. http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/news/GABA.html

GABA itself is not the culprit. A healthy brain makes its own GABA. Benzo's make the brain more efficient at using GABA, so the brain produces less and the brain thereby becomes dependent on the benzo's. Alcohol similarly inhibits GABA production. Amieson claims baclofen works on GABA b, unlike alcohol and benzo's, which work on GABA a. The evvect on GABA b does not appear to impair the brain's own ability to make GABA; hence the tolerance issues associated with benzo's (and perhaps alcohol) are avoided.

It's important to remember that the "lazy GABA producer" theory about why some of us may take longer than others is just that: a theory. There is no discernible pattern on this board among those who are taking benzo's and those who are not as to rate of TSM progress.

I was going to ask my GP and psychiatrist about it, and still may do if they persist in recommending an SSRI - which I am dead-set against. It's available on prescription in the UK I believe, though has had bad press as a recreational party drug, and date-rape drug as you say.

If TSM doesn't work for me, as a GABA drinker, GHB is my last hope before Baclofen.

Who knows, you might even get lucky with the GHB