Addiction And The Alternative

Addiction and substance abuse is serious whichever way you look at it, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine has its own specific and unique approaches as to how to deal with it.
Addiction can be defined as “any physical or psychological dependence that negatively impacts a person’s life.” Though a person may be addicted to many forms of behavior, “addiction” is usually used to refer to dependency on cigarettes, alcohol, and both legal and illegal drugs and substances. Even addiction to certain foods may come into play here.

Addictions afflict millions of people in the US and result in an annual loss of productivity with health care costs in the billions.
The alternative field believes that conventional ways fail to treat addicts, because they don't consider the genetic and biochemical imbalances that research has shown to be at the center of addiction.

For example, such biochemical imbalances may be present, like the lack of the brain’s natural stimulants and relaxants, as well as malfunctioning brain neurotransmitters. As a result, addicts may may seek external alternatives to these chemicals they are lacking, and also show a flaw in the brain’s decision making center which may impair their abilities. The brain may then build new neural pathways that are hardwired to and always demand more of these addictive substances.

A genetic predisposition to addiction may also be present that can be triggered by various internal or external factors similar to other diseases such as diabetes.

It is also believed that there is a strong connection between addiction and allergies. Craving for a substance may indicate an allergy in relation to it such as with certain foods, when a vicious cycle is created as we crave the food we are addicted too in order to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. Withdrawal symptoms for addicts are actually almost identical to symptoms occurring when allergenic substances are removed from the environment or diet.

Malabsorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
along with a more permeable or leaky gut disturbs the normal presence of microorganisms and allows foreign toxic substances to cross the intestinal wall. Undigested particles become toxic once they cross the intestinal wall, to enter the blood, and cause havoc in the body. The liver and immune system become overactive, overwhelmed, and confused, and allergies as well as addictions may develop as a result.

Though many modalities some of which are mentioned here, are helpful in overcoming addiction, focusing on diet is most essential, in order to change a person's neurochemistry and nutrient deficiencies. That and to alleviate an addictive person's issues in processing sugar and carbohydrates.

Through this, people can learn to master their own biochemical and physiological imbalances. The body being what it is with its own memory, once well nourished will kick in again and reestablish healthy function. As and adjunct, taking the proper vitamins, minerals, and other supplements is a vital tool for replenishing the body and its deficiencies and imbalances.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, especially acupuncture and auriculotherapy is very helpful for addicts and results in fewer relapses and readmissions to hospitals and programs.
Using Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, and visualization techniques helps to bring about significant behavioral change in the addictive personality.

Herbal medicine can play an important role in treating addiction, specifically with regard to the liver an organ most damaged by substance abuse, and with various withdrawal symptoms. Various flower essences as well, also make it easier to break the cycle of addiction.

Through Osteopathic or Chiropractic adjustments the body is realigned, giving it the ability to function in a whole way. Any neurological insult that may have been preventing the brain from releasing chemicals in the right sequence is corrected, giving the body its natural sense of well-being and pleasure.

Ayurveda recognizes that addictions often develop while trying to deal with fear and anxiety. Each of the three different Ayurvedic body types deals with this differently, and has certain weaknesses that can lead to addiction.

With all these as tools as a basis, we can use the body's built in tendencies in an orderly and systematic way to help bring about natural healing.