Description Drug addiction is the physical or psychological dependence on drugs. This typically results in compulsive behaviour to fulfill the need to repeat the first experience. Tolerance to the drug often occurs with habitual use, therefore, a higher and higher dose is required to achieve the level of the initial "high". It is difficult to pinpoint when casual use becomes abuse. Pain medications, as well as other over-the-counter medications are often abused (although not focussed on in this section), not just illegal substances. When dependence is severe, it begins to hinder social interactions, family life, and work. Drug abuse occurs among all socioeconomic classes, genders, and races.
Symptoms and Signs:Drugs that cause dependence do so by acting on the CNS. They reduce anxiety and tension, create euphoria and other feelings of pleasure, alter sensory perception, change behaviour, and can cause feelings of increased mental and physical ability.
Causes: The direct cause for drug abuse is a physical and/or psychological dependence on the drug. The physical addiction is one which causes a withdrawal syndrome when the drug is no longer used. Psychological dependence is what drives the addict to use again, thus intensifies the craving. Some drugs are more physically addictive than others, and many of them are both physically and psychologically addictive. Personality is thought to play a role in the development of addiction. Peer pressure, emotional instability, feelings of inadequacy, and unhappiness are often evident in addicts.
What to Expect: Drug overdose is common in many drugs and can result in death. Other drugs have withdrawal syndromes associated with discontinued use.
Remedies
Amino Acids Glutamine is considered "nature's brain food". It helps to improve mental function and reduce fatigue. Glutamic acid and can detoxify the brain of ammonia by using it to make glutamine. Take 500 mg of glutamic acid 3 times daily. Foods Consume kelp and cereal grasses. They are very nutrient-rich. Food Supplements Chlorophyll and alfalfa supplements help to detoxify the blood and are both very nutrient-rich. Take 1 tbsp daily. Essential Fatty Acids are essential for normal brain and nervous system function. You can obtain EFA's from flaxseed/linseed oil, hemp seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, borage seed oil, and evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts. If using liquid form, take two tablespoons daily. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning. Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added. Bee pollen is also nutrient-rich and can help to reduce cravings. Take 1 to 2 tbsp daily.
Herbs Chaparral has been shown to rid the body of LSD and to detoxify the body of other impurities. Dandelion is important to detoxify the liver. Milk thistle also supports the liver for detoxification. Siberian ginseng can be useful in dealing with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Make a tea and drink three times daily. Scullcap is anervine and soothes the nervous system, sleep aid, good brain tonic, relax the mind. It is useful for the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms and barbiturate addiction. Goldenseal, Licorice root, Lobelia, Nettle, and Valerian may all prove useful. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs. Lifestyle Join a support group. There are several of them out there for addicts as well as for friends and family. These support groups are quite successful in helping drug addicted individuals recover and remain drug-free. Addiction has been linked to nutritional deficiencies. Consume a healthy, well balanced diet. Addicts generally have a poor diet, which can actually promote their addiction. A healthy diet will support the elimination of toxins from the body. You should reduce the amount of salt, meat, refined/hydrogenated fats, and processed food with chemical additives in your diet. A diet rich in alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables has been shown to help during the transition between abuse and abstinence. Elimination of acid forming foods (meat, dairy, refined flour, sugar) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. A three day juice fast can help to eliminate toxins from the body quickly during the transition from use to abstinence. Carrot, spinach, and beet juice are particularly beneficial for the liver and pancreas. Drink plenty of water to aid the body in the detoxification process. Drink 6 to 8 glasses a day. Increasing your fibre intake can also help to promote detoxification. Find ways to manage your stress. You can change your environment, travel, or exercise. Exercise has been shown to decrease the levels of stress hormones in your body so you can cope better. Massage therapy is another excellent way to help you reduce your stress levels. Get plenty of rest. Minerals Magnesium is often deficient in people with drug addiction. You should supplement with 500 mg daily to help reduce irritability and cramping that may occur with withdrawal. Selenium is an important antioxidant. Take 200mcg daily. Take 35 mg of zinc with 3 mg of copper as antioxidant support. Vitamins: Vitamin A is beneficial for its antioxidant properties. Take 35,000 IU daily. (Do not exceed 10,000 IU if pregnant). Vitamin C with bioflavanoids should be supplemented to decrease the severity of withdrawal and the effects of toxins (the latter via its antioxidant properties), reduce anxiety, and to improve rest and appetite. Take 3,000 to 10,000mg daily in divided doses. Vitamin E is another important antioxidant that should be supplemented to reduce the severity of withdrawal. Take 400 IU daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
75 Albert Street, Suite 300
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5E7 Tel.: 613.235.4048
Fax: 613.235.8101 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (call for many other centres, clinics, etc.)
33 Russell Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S1 Tel.: 416.595.6000
Fax: 416.595.5017 Web: www.camh.net
See also Alcoholism, Smoking Dependency
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