Addictions - Nutritional Therapies
PATHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
A state of periodic or chronic intoxication detrimental to the individual and to society, characterized by the repetitive use of a drug or drugs due to a strong emotional or mental need to avoid discomfort and obtain pleasure. The pathology involved is contingent upon the particular drug involved. However, in all cases of drug abuse there are degenerative changes in the central nervous system and the liver and kidneys primarily. Further, the bone marrow cells and the spleen may be so depressed that hemopoiesis may be affected and phagocytosis depressed. The adrenals eventually become exhausted, the respiratory center in the brain is depressed and death may occur from respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Drug dependence results from many causes. Nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition over a long period of time contribute to the establishment of dependence on drugs, no matter what the immediate triggering factor may be. Stress, anxiety and worry can also lead to nutritional and chemical deficiencies. Food addiction such as sugar, caffeine and other stimulants can be detrimental as well.
SUPPORT
Drugs deprive the body of its nutrients, often without a visible side effect until great damage has been done. The cumulative action of addictive drugs produces an increasing toxic condition which, in its final stages, completely overwhelms the ability of the liver to neutralize these poisons and dispose of them. Because so little is known about the effects of drugs on vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, and other body compounds, it becomes of paramount importance to see that nutrition is improved to the utmost through adequate natural food intake and judicious use of natural, concentrated food supplements. Quite obviously, there must be a psychological approach to the treatment of addiction, but even with proper attention to emotional and psychotic involvement, no treatment will be entirely successful without intense Nutritional Therapy.
Addictions can be related to chemical deficiencies in the body which can be replaced by amino acid therapies. The minimum effective starting dosage is 500 mg. per day, and can be increased gradually to 3,000 mg. per day (except for 5HTP which ranges in dosage from 50 to 300 mg. per day) until the desired benefits are observed. Most people should respond to daily dosages of 500 mg. to 1,500 mg. in divided dosages 2 to 3 times per day. Amino acids are most effective taken on an empty stomach with water. The Active form of B-complex will enhance the function of amino acids. Glycoplex is a fully active B complex that helps by increasing energy, balancing blood sugar and prevents cravings. B vitamins are considered to be the most important nutrients in the body. A successful program will also include detoxifying and rebuilding the liver. If assistance is needed, please contact us with your questions.
| Addictive Substance
Abuse |
Restored Brain Chemical | Expected Behavioral Changes | Amino Acid Deficiency Symptoms | Supplement Balance |
| Heroin Alcohol Marijuana Sweets Starches
Chocolate Tobacco |
Enkephalins Endorphins | Reward Stimulation Anti-craving, Mild
improved energy and focus. D-Phenylalanine promotes pain relief, Increases
pleasure. |
Most RDS conditions Sensitive to physical
or emotional pain. Crave comfort and pleasure, Desire certain foods or
drugs. |
D-Phenylalanine |
| Caffeine Speed Cocaine Marijuana Aspartame
Chocolate Alcohol Tobacco Sweets Starches |
Norepinephrine Dopamine | Reward stimulation, Anti-craving,
Anti-depression, Increased energy, Improved mental focus. |
Most RDS conditions, Depression, low energy. Lack of focus and concentration, Attention-deficit disorder. | L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine or Neuro-Balance |
| Sweets Alcohol Starch Ecstasy Marijuana
Chocolate Tobacco |
Serotonin | Anti-craving, Anti-depression,
Anti-insomnia, Improved appetite control, Improvement in all mood and other
serotonin deficiency symptoms. Increased energy, Improved mental
focus. |
Low self-esteem, Obsessive compulsive
behaviors, irritability or Rage, Sleep problems, Afternoon or evening cravings,
Negativity, Heat intolerance, Fibromyalgia, SAD (winter blues) |
5
Hydroxy L-Tryptophan or Trypto-Plus |
| Valium Alcohol Marijuana Tobacco Sweets
Starches |
GABA | Promotes calmness and relaxation | Feeling of being stress-out, Nervous, tense muscles, Trouble relaxing | GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid) |
| Alcohol Sweets Starches |
GABA (mild enhancement) Fuel source for the entire brain. | Anti-craving, Anti-stress, Levels blood
sugar and mood, GABA (mild enhancement) Fuel source for entire brain |
Stress, Mood swings, Hypoglycemia |
L-Glutamine |
