Brain In Balance by Dr. Fred Von Stieff

Dr. Von Stieff, a physician specializing in detoxification, discusses the role of neurotransmitters in the brain and their effect on personality. He theorizes that persons with a history of addiction are really suffering from a chemical imbalance that leaves them open to cravings. These cravings can be for anything really, ranging from chocolates or salty foods to drugs, alcohol, and sex. It reminds me of something that another addiction expert, Dr. Abraham Twersky, mentioned about his own life. He said that he sees many addict traits in himself, such as procrastination and the craving for instant relief.

    Dr. Stieff convers many different cases of addiction, most of whom come from families with chronic addiction in one way or another. Their parents may be alcoholics, or they may be unable to break with routines. It has been proven that people with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are more likely to become addicts, so we can assume that brain damage is the culprit. But Dr. Stieff discusses the specifics of it, such as the parts of the brain that control cravings, much like the way the tongue’s taste buds control our taste for certain foods.