Addictions

Question 1

Addiction

Answer 1

Addiction to substances can both be based in behavioural and chemical addictions.

• Common substance addictions examples:

alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes (tobacco). Aetiology:

• Addiction is often a way of ‘self medicating’ anxiety, as most addictive processes increase brain dopamine and / or serotonin.
• Strong association with early childhood adversity, neglect and abuse. Significant trauma in life.
• Can be associated with having no purpose in life, loss, divorce etc

Question 2

Naturopathic aims:

Answer 2

• Address the cause.
• Assist drug(s) detoxification out of the body which lessens the severity and length of withdrawal (support phase 1 and 2 liver pathways and elimination channels).
• Support inhibitory NT levels to prevent cravings.
• Support stable energy production to prevent cravings.
• Repair some of the damage done to the body by the substance(s), bad eating habits and lifestyle.
• Support lifestyle changes and work alongside other professionals

Question 3

Natural approach

Answer 3

• CNM Naturopathic Diet and support dopamine ― ensure sufficient dietary protein (phenylalanine, tyrosine) and co-factors (e.g., folate, B6, iron etc.); minimise sugar; avoid excess saturated fat & alcohol.
• Support stress / anxiety and sleep (GABA pathway) (see Stress Lecture and earlier). Adrenal support for ‘lows’ may be needed (e.g., vitamin C, liquorice etc.), but gently.
• Methylation support, tyrosine for dopamine / other NTs, but gently.
• Mucuna pruriens (up to 100 mg / day) ― a natural source of L-dopa, sometimes referred to as ‘The Dopamine Bean’.
• Support digestion, GI microbiome (e.g., 5R protocol).
• Focus on antioxidant-rich foods, including polyphenols which also support liver detoxification and the gut microbiome. Also consider probiotics that support the gut-brain connection (e.g., L. plantarum L. rhamnosus, B. longum).
• For alcohol withdrawal: Consider alternatives, e.g., kombucha.
• For smoking cessation: Cut down other addictive substances (e.g., caffeine, sugar, alcohol); Skullcap (its phytochemicals bind to nicotine receptors); healthy low GI snacks (e.g., oat-based) as the hand to mouth action can continue and lead to over-eating; support dopamine balance (see earlier); increase endorphins with exercise

Question 4

Natural approach alcohol

Answer 4