Nervous System Health - Addictions Flashcards
What are common examples of substance addictions?
Common examples include alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes (tobacco).
What are common causes (aetiology) of addiction?
Addiction is often used as a form of self-medication for anxiety.
It is strongly associated with early childhood adversity, neglect, and abuse.
Significant life traumas, lack of purpose, loss, or divorce can also contribute.
What are the naturopathic aims when addressing addiction?
Address the root cause of addiction.
Support detoxification to lessen withdrawal severity.
Balance inhibitory neurotransmitters to prevent cravings.
Stabilize energy production.
Repair damage caused by substances, poor diet, and lifestyle.
Support lifestyle changes and work alongside other professionals.
What dietary and lifestyle strategies support addiction recovery?
Follow the CNM Naturopathic Diet with sufficient dietary protein (e.g., phenylalanine, tyrosine) and co-factors (e.g., folate, B6, iron).
Minimize sugar and avoid excess saturated fat and alcohol.
Optimize sleep and manage stress/anxiety through GABA pathways.
Include antioxidant-rich foods and polyphenols to support liver detoxification and gut health.
How can the gut microbiome be supported during addiction recovery?
Follow the 5R protocol to restore gut health.
Include probiotics that support the gut-brain axis, such as L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and B. longum.
What specific interventions are recommended for alcohol withdrawal?
Support serotonin levels with 5-HTP (100 mg x 2 daily).
Improve liver function and relaxation with taurine (2000 mg x 3 daily).
Replace lost B vitamins, especially B1 (up to 150 mg/day).
Use alternatives like kombucha instead of alcohol.
What strategies are recommended for smoking cessation?
Gradually reduce other addictive substances like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
Use skullcap, which binds to nicotine receptors.
Provide healthy, low GI snacks (e.g., oat-based) to manage the hand-to-mouth action.
Support dopamine balance and increase endorphins through exercise.
What supplements support recovery during addiction treatment?
5-HTP: Supports serotonin levels (100 mg x 2 daily).
Taurine: For relaxation and liver support (2000 mg x 3 daily).
Magnesium: Reduces anxiety, improves relaxation, and optimizes B1 (up to 400 mg/day).
EPA/DHA: Supports neuronal health (1000–3000 mg/day).
B-complex vitamins: Replenish B1 and B5 (up to 150 mg/day).
What are some additional considerations for addiction recovery?
Avoid amino acid supplementation if liver function is impaired.
Consider milk thistle for liver support.
Engage in regular but not excessive exercise.
Optimize sleep for repair and recovery.
