L-tyrosine

L-tyrosine is the fragment of protein that the body uses to build a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine brightens our eyes in the morning with cheery alertness, chases the blues, and focuses our attention on any chosen task. The multivitamin/mineral contains nutrients— like vitamin B-6, which are needed to convert L-tyrosine to norepinephrine and are usually depleted in meth addicts. Protein in regular doses offers the body the full complement of 22 amino acids that are used for building the many chemicals that create our moods, keeping us sane and calm and back in the driver's seat of our lives.

L-tyrosine is generally safe, but do not take L-tyrosine if you have had melanoma, or have Grave's Disease. If you have high blood pressure or chronic severe headaches, check with your medical professional before starting the supplement.

For more information on the useful connection between supplements and addiction recovery, see the  books on nutrition for addiction written by Alliance for Addiction Solutions members as described in our Bibliography.