In this article, I’m going to teach you how to restore dopamine production naturally using a supplement known as velvet bean.
It’s almost unbelievable that such an effective and inexpensive natural remedy for opioid withdrawal and recovery can still be so “under the radar.”
But alas this is the case.
My intention is to bring to your awareness the wonderful benefits velvet bean can provide you with.
If you decide to add this supplement to your opioid recovery plan, the amount of help you’ll get from it is measurable and undeniable.
Read on to learn how velvet bean can help you overcome opioid addiction once and for all…
What is Velvet Bean?
Also referred to as mucuna pruriens, cowhage, and other names, velvet bean is a tropical legume native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life. It also increases mental focus and feelings of pleasure.
Velvet bean can help re-supply your brain with dopamine naturally, leading to enhanced:
- Mood
- Motivation
- Pleasure
- Energy
- Enjoyment of Life!
Opioid Addiction and Dopamine
The repeated use of opioid drugs leads to a serious brain chemistry deficiency that is detrimental to recovery yet easy to correct. I’m referring to the neurotransmitter known as dopamine.
When you use an opioid drug, one of the mechanisms of action that occurs is a HUGE spike in dopamine.
This gigantic surge of dopamine is one of the main reasons why opioids can become so addictive.
This dopamine surplus can lead to intense feelings of euphoria, motivation, and reward, all of which help us to reduce stress and enhance pleasure.
Once you’ve been using opioids daily for as short as 3-4 weeks, something dreadful happens.
Your brain stops producing dopamine on its own.
Since the brain has gotten used to the drugs to supply the dopamine, it discontinues that task as you’re already taking care of it on your own now.
The big problem arises once you quit opioids.
Your brain doesn’t just kick back into high gear producing dopamine on its own like it used to.
Oh no…
Instead, the brain slowly begins to pick up that function again, and it usually takes 3-6 months or longer to begin working as well as it did before opioid addiction.
This extreme dopamine deficiency can lead to the following symptoms:
- Anhedonia (The inability to feel pleasure)
- Exhaustion
- Lack of Motivation
- Stress
When a person quits opioids and gets through the acute withdrawal they often think they’re in the clear and have succeeded in overcoming opioid addiction.
Unfortunately, this lack of dopamine can derail recovery efforts and most people end up using again within 90 days of detoxing because they can’t stand the anhedonia and exhaustion.
Luckily, velvet bean can help your brain produce adequate amounts of dopamine needed to eliminate these symptoms.
Using Velvet Bean for Opioid Addiction Recovery
As I stated earlier, velvet bean contains an abundance of L-dopa, and L-dopa converts to dopamine in the brain. By taking a high-quality velvet bean supplement 3x a day while quitting opioids, you’ll supercharge your brain’s natural dopamine production.
This will offset the damage opioids have done and kickstart your brain-healing recovery process.
By the first day or a few days in, you’ll feel the velvet bean restoring your dopamine levels and as a result, you’ll feel happier, more relaxed, and you’ll have more energy and motivation.
Sounds pretty good right?
Here’s how to use velvet bean for your opioid recovery:
- Purchase a high-quality velvet bean supplement.
- Take the supplement as directed on the bottle.
- For the first few weeks after detoxing, use up to 3-4x the amount recommended.
- Take velvet bean after quitting opioids or during your tapering protocol.
- Take velvet bean inside of a combination supplement with other helpful nutrients for recovery.
Key Concepts
- Opioid dependence leads to the brain needing regular use of opioid drugs to supply dopamine.
- Quitting opioids after you’ve become dependent results in a massive dopamine deficiency as the brain doesn’t start producing it in adequate amounts for mental health for quite some time.
- Velvet bean (mucuna pruriens, cowhage) is a natural supplement that contains L-dopa in therapeutic amounts.
- L-dopa converts to dopamine in the brain and thus can help you restore your dopamine levels naturally.
If you have any comments or questions on the use of velvet bean for opioid addiction recovery, please post them in the comment box below.
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