Dr. Neil Beck
The Big 6 and Big 8
The “Big 8” Commonest Chemicals of Dependence in Perth, Western Australia in my experience are Nicotine, Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Marijuana, Opiates, Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Cocaine. If someone takes one of those Chemicals often, their brain develops an increasing tolerance to that chemical. As their brain develops an increasing tolerance they need to take more and more of that chemical if they want to keep getting the same effects from it. If they do take more and more of a “Big 8” Chemical to keep getting the same effects from it then dependence on or addiction to that chemical is likely to develop. The people who take these chemicals often and in increasing amounts usually do so in an attempt to get relief from mental or emotional distress or dysfunction, not just to get a high. Although there is some variation from person to person, what the “Big 8” Chemicals of Dependence usually do is to exert “upper” or “downer” effects on important feelings and brain functions such as; mood; sleep, arousal or alertness; calmness, stability or resilience; energy, pace, or excitement; focussing or concentration; irritability, anger, rage, or violence; anxiety, vigilance or agitation; and socialising or relationships.
"Big 8" Chemicals of Dependence
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Marijuana
• Ecstasy
• Cocaine
There are also “Big 6” common nervous disorders which give rise to over 90% of the mental illness I see. These are the underlying causes of almost all substance abuse and addictions:
Sleep Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Major Depression
Bipolar (Manic Depressive) Disorder
Adult ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Trauma and Psychosocial Injury
These nervous disorders vary in severity from mild to severe and it is only when they are moderate or severe that they cause serious problems. When you are ready to discover what your own nervous disorders are, if any, do The Beck Mini DISCOMFORTS/DYSFUNCTIONS Checklist (DD Checklist).
You can do the Discomforts/Dysfunctions (DD) Checklist online at any time or by appointment with a NeuroHealth Coach at The Family Neuro Health Centre. If you read the following descriptions of the “Big 6” common nervous disorders 3 or 4 times you may be able to recognise which ones you (or your partner, relative or friend) suffer from.
The understanding of mental health that you will get from reading the relevant information handouts 3 or 4 times, and from repeating The Beck Mini DISCOMFORTS/DYSFUNCTIONS Checklist 3 or 4 times, will greatly improve your quality of life.
Cause of Addiction
Treatment Program
