The Power of Amino Acid Therapy
What is Amino Acid Therapy? Amino acid therapy uses supplements to restore neurotransmitter balance and support mental health, aiding in addiction recovery.
Who is a fit for Amino Acid Therapy? Individuals struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or those experiencing neurotransmitter imbalances.
Why should someone do this? To alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and improve mood and overall mental health during addiction recovery.
What are the negatives? Potential side effects, high costs, limited research, and varying effectiveness between individuals.
What should someone expect if they try it? A comprehensive treatment approach involving supplements or IV therapy, potentially integrated with counseling and other medical interventions.
Understanding Amino Acids
Amino acids are the essential breakdown products of proteins, vital for our health. Not all amino acids are readily available through diet, necessitating supplementation. Essential amino acids are critical as they:
- Build muscle and brain tissue
- Support overall health
- Help treat substance abuse and mental health issues
What Are Amino Acids and Why Do We Need Them?
Amino acids, derived from protein intake, are precursors to brain chemicals like serotonin, a natural anti-depressant. For instance:
- Serotonin Production: Requires tryptophan, found in turkey and other foods
- Neurotransmitter Depletion: Low levels can lead to depression, insomnia, anxiety, and substance use disorder
When you’re ready, give us a call.
(877) 997-8931
This is, by far, the best recovery center that I have experienced and heard of. I have been sober since I left Ranch Creek 3 1/2 years ago. They saved my life physically, as I was about a month away from being put onto the liver transplant list, they saved my marriage and relationship with our four children, and they saved me emotionally, as Dr. Dena was able to get some of my issues to a conclusion without me using alcohol to numb the pain. I do the work every single day, but I wouldn't be here without Ranch Creek. They definitely do it right!
This place has saved my life. The counselors, the nurses, the teachings (tools), and the environment were amazing. They were very patient, caring, and understanding. I learned so much there and gained a whole new self identity. After inpatient, they offered me an outpatient program that you can partake either in-person or via Zoom. That is so necessary and beneficial as well. I would suggest that anyone who wants and needs to get their life back or reshape who they are for the better to give this place a try. I live life through new eyes and with a healthy mind. You won't be disappointed.
This place is amazing for small group individual care. I've never seen a place that truly focuses on what you need and working with you to help you get there. They are not like other places that just get you sober and throw information at you. They truly care and want you to succeed. If you are in need of help to get sober this is your place.
Staff: 4.5/5Owner, Director, therapists, nurses, counselors, and support staff are all really great. I had no issues with anyone in particular. They are all there to help you however they can. I found that everyone advocated for my well being, were available when I needed them, and did their best to support me, check in on me, and make sure I was happy and comfortable.(why not 5/5? They have had a bunch of turnover and need to update their website with their newer staff members and qualifications. Additionally the Doctors they partner with were not as thorough as I would have wanted, and were kind of pushy with medications)Program: 4/5Small groups for the win! You get a lot of attention if you need it. This is a Holistic approach rehab. They do not focus on any 12 step programs. You have daily classes with different counselors, focusing on the science behind addiction, anger management, talk therapy, art therapy, equine therapy, nutrition, and much more. You have one-on-one sessions twice a week with a Licensed Therapist, and you have access to a gym daily, with a yoga instructor and trainer coming a few times a week. You also have a docent that comes once a week to do sound therapy, and you can learn techniques such as tapping. They have 2 doctors on staff you will have Zoom appointments with, and someone is always present to distribute morning, afternoon, and bedtime medication. You can also always grab whomever is on-call to talk through any issues or questions you have.(why not 5/5? Overall I found that there was too much down-time. I got bored and restless with that much free time and I craved more structure. Additionally I thought that the family Zoom sessions could have served as a stronger resource for loved ones)Location: 4/5Murrieta is a quiet, tranquil area, with mountain views, a lot of farmland, and very little public noise to distract you. When you do leave the house, you get to visit a small farm that is very close by to interact with horses and goats, etc. You also have an outing on Saturdays for a few hours that allows you as a group to get out of the house. The immediate area has all the basic stores and activities you would want, like target/walmart/grocery/7-11/etc as well as mini golf, bowling... You do need to decide as a group where you want to go because you have 1 chaperone and need to stay together at all times.(why not 5/5? There are 2 different houses located about 10 minutes away from each other. The Bass house advertised on the website is much nicer and larger than the Doreen house. During my time the clients staying at the Doreen house were shuttled over to the Bass house for our daily classes and sessions, not being able to utilize their own kitchen, rooms, and bathrooms during the day. I was also told by clients that the Doreen house was not as nice as the Bass House)Amenities: 4/5Pool - (I was there in the winter, so it was not heated and basically unusable, however, I did do some cold plunges just for the shock)Hot tub - available once a week on Friday eveningsYard - Large Grass Backyard and cement patio with tables and chairsGym - Available daily. TV for movies or music. Free weights, yoga mats, and a few outdated cardio machines that mostly worked.Kitchen - Large kitchen, multiple Fridges/Freezers, Huge pantry for preparing anything you want, ovens, microwave, toasters, dishwasher, outdoor gas grill, etc...Pool table, ping pong table, arts and crafts table, outdoor TV, Indoor TV, Computer, land-line house phone.Comfortable rooms and bathrooms with laundry access, and provided bedding and towels.(why not 5/5? I was disappointed that it wasn't clear that the pool and hot tub didn't have daily access as advertised, and that the gym was more outdated than described/pictured. They also could make some very inexpensive recreation investments like a basketball for their outdoor hoop, soccer ball, frisbees, croquet set, bocce, etc for their giant lawn to be used during the extensive downtime)
Ranch Creek Recovery is the best way to start your new healthy way of life. This program actually saved my life and my sanity. Their Holistic approach was amazing and I learned so much from my counselors and Dr. Dena. With only a limited number of participants in the house at one time, you are guaranteed the one on one time, as well as the group counseling they offer in a safe and comfortable setting. They make you aware that they truly care and are there to support you , listen to you, and most important to teach you. Teach you information about triggers, cognitive behavior and how to stay sober. They include therapy through others means such as Yoga, Meditation, working with Horses and even Physical Training. Ranch Creek makes sure when you leave you are good, Mind, Body and Soul. They have an excellent Intensive Outpatient Program (10) weeks that helps navigate your way back into life. A year ago (received my one year chip June 8, 2022) I was lost and a raging out of control alcoholic. I can proudly say today that I am not. I will always be an alcoholic with an addictive personality. But now I have tools, personal contacts and the faith in myself that I have never had before in my 9 years searching for sobriety. I often reflect back on my time at the Bass house. I am probably one of the few that actually stayed 60 days because I had so much to learn. My insurance did not cover all of the last days, but it was worth it to me, so I stayed. I am so grateful to so many of the staff, Jimmie, Christine, Jonathon, Dr. Dena and countless extended staff to name a few, because there were more. I would not be here to tell you it works, because without the treatment and the help I received, I alive today to tell my journey. If you are ready to face the truth, please give them a call. I promise if you are committed, you will never be the same as when you walked in. Thank you Ranch Creek Recovery.
Get Help with Insurance Coverage for Rehab
Our drug & alcohol rehab programs accept many national insurance plans and is in-network with most carriers including HealthNet, MHN, Anthem BlueCross, Aetna, Cigna as well as others. To verify if your insurance is accepted and check your out-of-pocket costs call Ranch Creek Recovery at (877) 997-8931.
Luxury Homes
2 private luxury homes in Murrieta provide comfort for our clients with no expense spared.
Can’t You Get Amino Acids From Food?
While food provides various proteins, the amino acid profile can vary significantly:
- Protein Sources: Both vegetarian and animal proteins contain different amino acid combinations
- Digestive Process: Proteins are broken down into amino acids and released into the bloodstream
- Brain Uptake: Specific transport systems carry amino acids across the blood-brain barrier
The Limitations of Dietary Amino Acids
Balanced diets may not always maintain proper neurotransmitter balance due to:
- Stress and Deficiencies: High stress and poor diet can deplete serotonin levels
- Transport Challenges: Tryptophan uptake doesn’t always increase across the blood-brain barrier
The Role of Amino Acid Supplementation
How can we enhance serotonin levels using tryptophan?
- Timing is Key: Supplementing between meals increases the availability of specific amino acids for brain uptake
- IV Therapy: Directly supplements amino acids, enhancing their transport across the blood-brain barrier
How Does Amino Acid Therapy Help With Addiction?
Amino acid therapy plays a significant role in addiction treatment by:
- Restoring Neurotransmitter Balance: Helps replenish depleted neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood regulation and overall mental health.
- Reducing Cravings: Balanced neurotransmitter levels can reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol, making it easier for individuals to resist urges.
- Alleviating Withdrawal Symptoms: By supporting brain chemistry, amino acid therapy can mitigate the severity of withdrawal symptoms, providing a smoother detox process.
- Improving Mental Health: Enhanced neurotransmitter function can lead to better mood stability, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep, all of which are critical during addiction recovery.
What Is Amino Acid Therapy Used For?
Amino acid therapy helps:
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Eases symptoms during detox
- Mood Management: Stabilizes mood swings
- Addiction Therapy: Supports neurotransmitter function
Important Note: Amino acid therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment program and not a standalone cure for addiction.
The Negatives of Amino Acid Therapy
While amino acid therapy offers numerous benefits, there are potential downsides to consider:
- Limited Research: While promising, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and efficacy of amino acid therapy in addiction treatment.
- Side Effects: Some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues when taking amino acid supplements.
- Individual Variability: The effectiveness of amino acid therapy can vary widely between individuals, and not everyone may experience significant benefits.
- Cost: High-quality amino acid supplements or IV therapy can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
- Not a Standalone Solution: Amino acid therapy should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including counseling, behavioral therapies, and other medical interventions.
Amino Acid Therapy at Ranch Creek Recovery
At Ranch Creek Recovery, our experienced staff is dedicated to your well-being. We offer:
- Individualized Treatment Programs: Tailored to each patient’s needs
- Holistic Methods: Combining traditional and holistic approaches
- Expert Care: Our physicians set the standard for amino acid therapy in Southern California
When you’re ready to get help…We’ll be here for you.
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(877) 997-8931