gratitude practice as described in your podcast
Question for you please, Andrew. I need a little more guidance on the gratitude practice you describe in your podcast. You mention recalling a time when someone expressed gratitude towards me, then writing down about 3 bullet points of 1) the situation, 2) the words used and 3) how it made me feel. So my understanding is that everytime (I try to do this once a day) I engage in this practice I tell myself inwardly: this was the situation and this person expressed his or her gratitude to me for having done x, y and z and it made me feel so warm and joyful and appreciate. Is that how it's done that each day I go through this exercise versus just focusing on the somatic response of the gratitude words on my body. I'm grateful for your response.
Gaba receptors and addiction
What are the roles of the GABA receptors in the brain/body? Why do certain substances that interact with these receptors (alcohol, GHB/GBL, benzodiazepines...) cause addictions that are so difficult and oftentimes dangerous to quit (cold turkey)? Are there ways to regulate the GABA system naturally, if there is one (system)? Are the episodes on dopamine "relatable" to this question or are these addictions, that are seemingly more related with these GABA receptors, different in any way? (Sorry I couldn't phrase it better)
Research
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and have found it helpful to learn more about neuroscience and am always fascinated by how well the topics you discuss fit with a behavior analytic perspective. I currently work in a public school setting for the most complex and severe cognitively impaired students in the state. These are often students with a history of trauma, multiple diagnoses, low levels of family and community support, low socioeconomic status, inconsistent use of prescribed medications, lots of communication and life skill deficits, and severe problem behaviors such as self-injury, physical aggression, property destruction, and elopement. Behavior analysis alone is not sufficient in improving their lives. I am not an experienced researcher but would love to start conducting research in the school setting. Do you have any advice on how to get started on conducting research in this setting with a collaboration between fields of behavior analysis, psychology, and neuroscience? I have many ideas but no clue where to start.
Migraines, HRT and menopause
Are there any data/ studies that look at and provide effective treatment for migraines after menopause while on HRT? I am on HRT in my late 50's and experience migraines. I am in good health otherwise, (exercise, eat well) I have had migraines my entire life but they have become more frequent in nature lately. My dr. lowered my estrogen dose (making my vasomotor symptoms from menopause worse) and the headaches increased in frequency. I read in pub/med there is an increased chance of stroke but the data is confusing. I am in constant communication with my dr.'s and will be meeting with a neurologist soon. I just keep getting prescribed meds that don't really work to prevent them. I use Rizotriptan when I get them but it does not always work to make them go away. They still linger. I have used all of your suggestions from your podcasts. The oils work well but nothing so far prevents them. This is an area that to me poorly understood. Any information or insight is much appreciated.