Addictions (drugs)
Synopsis of Addictions (drugs)
Drug addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It involves physical and/or psychological dependence on substances such as opioids, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, or prescription medications. Addiction alters brain chemistry, especially areas involved in reward, motivation, memory, and impulse control, making it difficult to stop using without intervention.
Addiction can develop gradually, starting with voluntary use that escalates into dependency as tolerance builds and withdrawal symptoms emerge. Recovery often requires a combination of medical treatment, counseling, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Types:
-
Opioid addiction: Involves drugs like heroin, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
-
Stimulant addiction: Includes substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants (e.g., Adderall).
-
Depressant addiction: Involves sedatives, tranquilizers, and alcohol, which depress the central nervous system.
-
Hallucinogen addiction: Includes LSD, psilocybin, and PCP, although these substances tend to cause psychological rather than physical dependency.
-
Polysubstance abuse: Use of multiple drug types concurrently.
Common Causes:
-
Genetic predisposition: Family history of addiction increases risk.
-
Environmental factors: Exposure to drug use, trauma, abuse, or stress in early life.
-
Mental health disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD increase vulnerability.
-
Social influences: Peer pressure, availability of drugs, or cultural acceptance of substance use.
-
Chronic pain management: Long-term use of prescription opioids or sedatives can lead to dependency.
-
Trauma or abuse history: Unresolved psychological distress may lead to self-medication with drugs.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
-
Physical health deterioration: Liver damage, heart disease, lung disease, infections (HIV, hepatitis), and overdose.
-
Mental health disorders: Worsening depression, anxiety, psychosis, or suicidal ideation.
-
Legal and financial issues: Resulting from criminal activity or job loss.
-
Relationship breakdowns: Strained personal and professional relationships.
-
Cognitive impairment: Long-term brain function alterations.
-
Withdrawal symptoms: Vary depending on the drug—can include tremors, seizures, hallucinations, extreme anxiety, nausea, and cravings.
When to See a Doctor or Mental Health Professional:
-
Inability to control drug use despite negative consequences
-
Experience of withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use
-
Persistent cravings or preoccupation with obtaining drugs
-
Co-occurring mental health issues worsened by substance use
-
Risk of overdose or life-threatening health conditions
-
Repeated failed attempts to quit or reduce use
Natural remedies for Addictions (drugs)
Nutritional Support: Eating a nutrient-dense diet restores physical health depleted by drug use. Focus on whole foods, antioxidants, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support detoxification and healing.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated aids in flushing toxins and supporting organ function during withdrawal and recovery. Drink water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich fluids.
Mind-Body Practices (Meditation, Yoga): Helps manage stress, cravings, and emotional regulation. Supports mental health and reduces relapse risk.
Exercise: Physical activity boosts mood-regulating neurotransmitters (endorphins, dopamine) and supports overall recovery. Regular, moderate exercise reduces anxiety and cravings.
Sleep Hygiene: Restorative sleep aids mental and physical recovery. Establish regular sleep patterns and use calming pre-bed routines.
Herbal Support (Adaptogens): Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola help manage stress and balance the nervous system. Can ease withdrawal symptoms and improve resilience.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support brain health and reduce inflammation caused by substance use. May help stabilize mood and reduce cravings.
Counseling or Support Groups (e.g., 12-step programs): Provides emotional support, accountability, and coping tools during recovery. Essential for long-term success.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Addictions (drugs)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
activated charcoal
amino acids
ashwagandha
beta caryophyllene
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citicoline
eleuthero
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
ginseng
kava root
kudzu
l-carnitine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lavender
magnesium
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
selenium
valerian root
vitamin C
zinc
St. John's Wort
5-HTP (test)
5-HTP
Aroma
Agmisode
Aliphatic alcohol
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Agmatine
Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Adrenergic amines
Active Amines
Alkyl (unspecified)
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Alkaloids
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Antimony
Amino Acid Blend/Complex
alkaloid
Blend (Combination)
Beta Phenethylalamine
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
BCAA
Biogenic amine
Blend (combination)
Cannabis
Cordycepic acids
Cannabinoids
Catecholamine
Cannabinol
Chinese Licorice
capsule
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
D-phenylalanine
DL-Phenyl-Alanine 4,2-Dimethylaminoethyl
DL-phenylalanine
Dopamine
Delivery system
Exphedrine HCl
Endorphin (unspecified)
Ephedrine
Free Form Amino Acid
Gamma amino beta-hydroxybutyric acid
Glutamine precursor (unspecified)
Ilex (unspecified)
Kavalactone
Kavalactones
Kratom
Kudzu
Kava kava
L-Acetyl n-Cysteine
L-Tryptophan
L-Tyrosine
L-Cysteine
L-Phenylalanine
Marijuana
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-acetylcysteine
Nux Vomica
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Nicotine
Nicotinamide
Opium Antidote
Oxytocin
Puerain
peptides (unspecified)
Phenethylamine (PEA)
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Phenibut
Poppy
plant (unspecified)
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phenolic (unspecified)
SAMe
SAM-e
Spice (unspecified)
Terpenoids
Trichilia catigua
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tyrosine
Tablet
Tetrahydropalmatine
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine phosphate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Valerian
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
Vitamin B1 (Sulbutiamine)
Yohimbines (unspecified)