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DESCRIPTION
In our drug-oriented society, it seems as if there is a pill available to soothe any possible discomfort. If you have a headache, you can reach into your medicine cabinet for some aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve the pain and if that isn't strong enough, you can always get a prescription for more addictive narcotic pain relievers. If you are anxious, or have trouble sleeping, you can take a couple of tranquilizers. If you have trouble getting up you can take something to wake you up and give yourself a little zip to get through your day. If you are upset by work or marital problems, you can drown your sorrows in a stiff alcoholic drink or pop an antidepressant "happy pill" into your mouth in hopes that your problems will have a better outlook or at least fade away until you have to take another dose. Maybe it simply helps you to feel numb. It is not surprising, therefore, that many people have problems with drug addiction and substance abuse.
Addiction is said to exist when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a foreign substance that it can no longer function properly if the substance is withdrawn. This is why a person who is addicted to a drug experiences withdrawal symptoms if suddenly deprived of it. Not everyone who uses drugs, legal or illegal, becomes addicted to them. The three most commonly used drugs - alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine - are legal and freely available, but they do not pose an addiction problem to all those who take them. Not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic; some people smoke only on weekends or special occasions. Many people who drink coffee don't crave it all the time.
Drug use frequently begins in adolescence. Although perceptions of alcohol and cigarette use have changed dramatically in recent years, these are still two of the most accessible drugs. Most young people who use drugs start with these, then move on to less accessible (that is, illegal) drugs such as marijuana. Many young drug users mistakenly believe that common drugs such as alcohol and marijuana are harmless. They also believe that they will never become dependent on drugs and that they can quit at any time. Unfortunately, instead of quitting, many end up turning to stronger drugs, including amphetamines, heroin, and cocaine. While the types of drugs most subject to abuse seem to vary from place to place and time to time, most experts agree that the potent form of cocaine popularly known as crack is a particular problem. It is less expensive than powdered cocaine, is easy to conceal, and offers a quick high. It is also extremely addictive, and is associated with violent and criminal behavior. Newspaper reports have cited cases in which the use of this drug has filtered down even to the elementary school level.
Many adults become addicted to pain relievers after they have had major surgery with a long recovery period or have developed health issues requiring addictive medication and then continue to take pain relievers and other medications long after they no longer need them for a particular problem.
Much research is focusing on the question of why some people become addicted while others do not, and scientists and nutritionists are providing some answers to the complex question of chemical dependency.
CAUSES
The reasons for addiction, according to most research, lie in the brain. A group of chemicals called neurotransmitters carry the signals between neurons in the brain. One of these neurotransmitters, dopamine, plays a pivotal role in transmitting feelings of satisfaction, arousal, and reward, so that every time we experience these feelings, we have the desire to replicate them by doing, whatever it was that caused them before. This may account for the repetition inherent in addictive behavior.
Alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines are a few of the substance that increase dopamine levels in the brain, and the more they are used, the more deeply these substances are associated with pleasure and reward, and more profound the dependency. It is also thought that people who become addicted to a substance eventually take less pleasure in things they used to enjoy.
Positron-emission tomography (PET) brain scans of addicted people have shown that their brains show less response to other pleasurable pursuits, such as listening to their favorite music, then do the brain scams of people not involved in substance abuse.
The pleasure elicited by whatever substance the individual is addicted to is so strong that it is difficult to eradicate, and even after years of abstinence, there are triggers that may cause the person to relapse. Research has shown that long-term drug abuse results in significant changes in brain function that persist long after an individual stops using drugs.
People who become chemically dependent do so at different rates, and research is showing that susceptibility to addiction may be, in part, hereditary. Complicating the phenomenon of addiction is the problem of drug tolerance. Researchers have found that children who were diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely than their peers to report alcohol-related problems as well as drug and tobacco addiction, later in life. This study appeared in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology. Youngsters with severe inattention problems were 5 times more likely than others to use an illegal drug other than alcohol or marijuana at an early age. This turned out to be a uniquely important variable even when the presence of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) were considered. The risk factor for inattention paralleled the importance of family history as a predictor.
With prolonged drug use, the body often ends up needing more and more of the substance to produce the desired effect and to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Some users end up increasing the dosage to the point that they die, or come close to dying, from overdose. In addition, addiction almost always has a powerful psychological as well as a physical component.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Signs of drug addiction can include:
- Decreased desire to work and/or socialize.
- Extreme drowsiness.
- Inattentiveness.
- Frequent mood swings.
- Restlessness.
- Personality changes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Desire to be alone.
- Losing tempers easily.
- May experience crying spells.
- Slow, slurred speech.
- The pupils of the eyes may also change (dilated or extremely contracted).
Drug withdrawal symptoms will vary greatly depending upon the drug, but generally many people will experience these common withdrawal symptoms:
- Headache.
- Insomnia.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Diarrhea.
- Hot and cold flashes.
- Sweating.
- Deep depression.
- Irritability.
- Irrational thinking.
- Disorientation.
Not surprisingly, individuals who are addicted to drugs can end up centering their lives on avoiding the excruciating pain of withdrawal - that is, on assuring a continuing supply of the drug. This need to obtain the drug at all costs leads ultimately to a disintegration of normal life, including broken personal relationships, loss of employment, and even criminal behavior.
Complicating the phenomenon of addiction is the problem of drug tolerance. With prolonged drug use, the body often ends up needing more and more of the substance to produce the desired effect and to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Some users end up increasing the dosage to the point that they die, or come close to dying, from overdose. In addition, addiction almost always has a powerful psychological as well as a physical component. In fact, with some types of drugs, addiction is entirely, or almost entirely, a matter of psychological dependence. While psychological dependence does not lead to physical withdrawal symptoms after the drug is discontinued, it does result in deep cravings that may persist long after any physical addiction has been overcome.
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS
There is no single treatment that will help all addicted people. Treatment will vary depending upon the drug used. Treatment needs to be tailored to fit the different needs and problems facing the individual. However, to minimize withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal from any drug should be done slowly. The dosage should be decreased gradually over a period of four weeks or longer. This task cannot be accomplished alone; most often hospitalization and/or professional help is required.
Most people are aware that a drug overdose can kill, but many do not realize that these poisons kill in other ways as well. Angina, heart attack, coronary artery spasms, and life-threatening damage to the heart muscle may occur with the use of cocaine and heroin. All drugs weaken the immune system in one way or another. Chronic marijuana use can reduce the immune response by as much as 40 percent by damaging and destroying white blood cells. Without a strong immune system, the body is vulnerable to all kinds of infections and degenerative diseases.
Buprenorphine (Buprenex), a synthetic narcotic, taken either by itself or in combination with naloxone, a drug that prevents the "high" induced by narcotics, is sometimes prescribed to people who are dependent on opiates, and this treatment has shown some success. Methadone may also be prescribed as a substitute for illegal opiates.
Research has found that children of alcoholics are more inclined than others to use drugs, including cocaine. These individuals are 400 times more likely to use drugs than those who do not have a family history of alcohol addiction.
An individual can be addicted to substances other than illegal drugs. Many are addicted to nicotine, caffeine, colas, alcohol, sugar, and even certain foods. Although these addictions may not pose as great a health risk, withdrawal may still be painful and difficult. Those who use these substances may also be more susceptible to illness and disease because these addictive substances deplete the body of needed nutrients. See "Substances That Rob The Body of Nutrients" below.
Many drug users suffer from malnutrition. Because drugs rob the body of necessary nutrients, those addicted to drugs need to take high doses of supplemental nutrients.
A growing problem for substance abusers in these times, especially for those who use drugs intravenously and share needles, is the threat of AIDS. Unfortunately, for long-term drug users, even this is not enough to deter them from continuing the habitual use of drugs.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: AIDS - A Detailed Description
Substances That Rob the Body of Nutrients
Different substances deplete the body of different nutrients. Use the list below to determine which supplements you may need as a result of the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including alcohol and caffeine.
SUBSTANCE DEPLETED NUTRIENTS Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Iron. Antacids B Complex Vitamins; Calcium; Phosphate; Vitamins A & D. Antibiotics, General (see also Isoniazid, Penicillin, Sulfa Drugs, & Thimethoprim) B Complex Vitamins; Vitamin K; "Friendly Bacteria". Antihistamines Vitamin C. Aspirin B Complex Vitamins; Calcium; Folic Acid; Iron; Potassium; Vitamins A & C. Barbiturates Vitamin C. Beta-Blockers (Corgard, Inderal, Lopressor, & Others) Choline; Chromium; Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5). Caffeine Biotin; Inositol; Potassium; Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine); Zinc. Carbamazenpine (Atretol, Tegretol) Dilutes blood solution. Chlorothiazide (Aldoclor, Diuril, & Others) Magnesium; Potassium. Cimetidine (Tagamet) Iron. Clonidine (Catapres, Combipres) B Complex Vitamins; Calcium. Corticosteroids, General (see also Prednisone) Calcium; Potassium; Vitamins A; B-6, C, & D; Zinc. Digitalis Preparations (Crystodigin, Digoxin, & Others) Vitamins B-1 (thiamine) and B-6 (pyridoxine); zinc. Diuretics, General (see also Chlorothiazide, Spironolactone, Thiazide Diuretics, & Triamterene) Calcium; Iodine; Magnesium; Potassium; Vitamins B-2 (Riboflavin) & C; Zinc. Estrogen Preparations Folic Acid; Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine). Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) B Complex Vitamins; Magnesium; Vitamins C, D, E, & K. Fluoride Vitamin C. Glutethimide (Doriden) Folic Acid; Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine). Hydralazine (Apresazide, Apresoline, & Others) Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine). Indomethacin (Indocin) Iron. Isoniazid (INH & Others) Vitamins B-3 (Niacin) & B-6 (Pyridoxine). Laxatives (Excluding Herbs) Potassium; Vitamins A & K. Lidocaine (Xylocaine) Calcium; Potassium. Nitrate/Nitrite Coronary Vasodilators Niacin; Pangamic Acid, Selenium; Vitamins C & E. Oral Contraceptives B Complex Vitamins; vitamin C, D, & E. Penicillin Preparations Vitamin B-3 (Niacin); Niacinamide; Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine). Phenobarbital Preparations Folic Acid; Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine); Vitamin B-12; Vitamins D & K. Phenylbutazone (Cotylbutazone) Folic Acid; Iodine. Phenytoin (Dilantin) Calcium; Folic Acid; Vitamins B-12, C, D, & K. Prednisone (Deltasone & Others) Potassium; Vitamins B-6 & C; zinc. Quinidine Preparations Choline; Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B-5); Potassium; Vitamin K Reserpine Preparations Phenylalanine; Potassium; Vitamins B-2 (Riboflavin) & B-6 (Pyridoxine). Spironolactone (Aldactone & Others) Calcium; Folic Acid. Sulfa Drugs Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA); "Friendly" Bacteria. Synthetic Neurotransmitters Magnesium; Potassium; Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) & B-6 (Pyridoxine). Tobacco Vitamins A, C, & E. Thiazide Diuretics Magnesium; Potassium; Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin); Zinc Triamterene (Dyrenium) Calcium; Folic Acid. Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, & Others) Folic Acid.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. Eat quality protein from vegetable sources. Increase your intake of fresh raw foods.
Add high-protein drinks to the diet.
Avoid heavily processed foods, all forms of sugar, and junk food. These foods are a quick source of energy, but are followed by a low feeling that may increase cravings for drugs.
Drink at least 2 quarts of quality water every day to keep well hydrated.
Fasting is beneficial. Follow the instructions.
Consider consulting a qualified acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been known to help addicts by decreasing stress, anxiety, and the craving for drugs.
HERBS
Burdock root and Red Clover aid in cleansing toxins from the bloodstream.
HerbalRemedies: Burdock Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Burdock Root (Arctium Lappa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
HerbalRemedies: Burdock Root, Nature's Way, 540 mg, 100 Caps
HerbalRemedies: Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Herb Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
HerbalRemedies: Red Clover Herb, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Siberian Ginseng helps those experiencing cocaine withdrawal. Caution: Do not use this herb if you have hypoglycemia, high-blood pressure, or a heart disorder.
HerbalRemedies: Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Siberian Ginseng Root) Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Siberian Ginseng Root Extract (Eleutherococcus Senticosus)485 mg, 60 Caps
HerbalRemedies: Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Siberian Ginseng Root) Powder, Alternative Health & Herbs, 4 oz.
HerbalRemedies: Siberian Eleutho Root, Nature's Way, 410 mg, 100 Caps
Milk Thistle helps to detoxify the liver.
HerbalRemedies: Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum Marianum) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
HerbalRemedies: Thisilyn, Milk Thistle Extract, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 100 VCaps
HerbalRemedies: Milk Thistle Seed Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Milk Thistle Seed Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Milk Thistle Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 60 VCaps
Pueraria (Kudzu), a Chinese herb, has been used for centuries as a cure for alcoholism.
HerbalRemedies: Kudzu (Pueraria Lobata) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Kudzu (Pueraria Lobata) C/S Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
HerbalRemedies: Kudzu Root Extract, Nature's Way, 613 mg, 50 Caps
St. John's Wort is a good antidepressant and can help with withdrawal symptoms.
HerbalRemedies: Kira St. John's Wort, Kwai, 45 Tabs
HerbalRemedies: St. John's Wort Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
HerbalRemedies: St. John's Wort, Perika, 300 mg, 60 Tabs
Valerian root has a calming effect. Used with the amino acid tyrosine, it has been found to be helpful for those undergoing withdrawal from cocaine.
HerbalRemedies: Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis) Powder, 100% Organic, 4 oz. Bulk
HerbalRemedies: Valerian Root Tincture, Alcohol-Free With Glycerin, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Valerian Root Extract, Standardized, 510 mg, 90 Caps
HerbalRemedies: Valerian Root, 530 mg, 100 VCaps
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Very Important Essential Fatty Acids Complex As directed on label. Good for reversing the effects of malnourishment common in those with substance abuse problems.
Barlean's Flax Oil, 100% Highest Lignan Content, Organic, Pesticide & Herbicide Free, 16 fl. oz.,
Salmon Oil Capsule, NOW Foods, 120 EPA/80 DHA, 2000 mg, 250 Softgels,
Evening Primrose Oil With Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), Barlean's, 1300 mg, 120 Softgels,
Ultimate Oil, Essential Fatty Acids Supplement, Nature's Secret, 90 Softgels,
EFA Blend Essential Fatty Acids Supplement, Attention Focus for Children, Nature's Way, 445 mg, 120 Softgels,
Omega 3-6-9, NOW Foods, Organic, 16 fl. oz.Liquid Kyolic With B-1 & B-12 As directed on label. Fights stress and protects the liver. Vitamin B-1
(Thiamin/Thiamine)As directed on label. Take with Kyolic Liquid. Helps Stress. Essential for the conversion of glucose into energy.
Vitamin B-1 / Thiamin HCl (Hydrochloric Acid), 100% Natural, 100 mg, 100 CapsVitamin B Complex Injections
Plus
Extra Vitamin B-122 cc daily or as prescribed by health care provider.
1 cc daily or as prescribed by health care provider.Needed when under stress to rebuild the liver. Injections (under a health care provider's supervision) are most effective. If injections are not available, use a sublingual form. Or
Vitamin B Complex100 mg of each major B vitamin daily (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary). Needed when under stress to rebuild the liver.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 CapsPlus
Vitamin B-121,000-2,000 mcg daily. B vitamins are needed for energy. Use a lozenge or sublingual form.
Instant Energy B-12, 2000 mcg/Packet, NOW Foods, 25 Packets/Box,
Vitamin B-12, NOW Foods, 5 oz.,
Vitamin B-12 Lipospray, NOW Foods, 2 oz., Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin), 2000 mcg, 100 Sublingual LozengesPlus Extra
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid500 mg 3 times daily. Essential for the adrenal glands and for reducing stress.
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), 1005 Natural, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 CapsAnd
Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide)500 mg 3 times daily. Important for brain function. Caution: Do not substitute Niacin for Niacinamide. Niacin should not be taken at high doses.
Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 CapsNeuroLogic
(Wakunaga)As directed on label. Nourishes the central nervous system. Detoxifies the system. Encourages normal brain function. Important Calcium 1,500 mg daily at bedtime. Nourishes the central nervous system and help control tremors by calming the body. use chelate forms.
Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Liquid Calcium W/ConcenTrace, Orange Vanilla, Trace Minerals, 1000 mg, 32 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 GelcapsMagnesium 1,000 mg daily at bedtime. Needed for calcium uptake.
Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Just An Ounce Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.,
Calcium & Magnesium Mineral Complex, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg / 250 mg, 250 CapsFree-Form Amino Acid Complex As directed on label. Take on an empty stomach 1/2 hour before meals. To supply needed protein in a readily assimilable form..
AMINO 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps,
Branched Chain Amino Acid Powder, NOW Foods, 12 oz.,
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs,
Branched Chain Amino Acids, Free Form, 120 CapsGamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) As directed on label, on an empty stomach. Acts as a relaxant and lessens cravings.
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid), Pharmaceutical Grade, 250 mg, 90 Tabs,
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) Supplement Plus B-6, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps,
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) Powder, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, Vegetarian, 500 mg, 6 oz.Glutathione As directed on label. Aids in detoxifying drugs to reduce their harmful effects. Also reduces the desire for drugs or alcohol.
L-Glutathione, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 CapsLithium Lithium (Carbonate): As prescribed by a health care provider.
Lithium Orotate: Follow directions on the label. You should consult a health care provider before taking this supplement.
See Lithium Article by Ray Sahelian, M.D. for more information about Lithium Orotate and studies.Lithium is a trace mineral that aids in relieving depression. Lithium Carbonate is available by prescription only. Holistic practitioners may recommend Lithium Orotate as an alternative to prescription Lithium. Lithium Orotate supplements are available OTC for treatment of addictions, alcoholism, depression, bipolar disease and other related conditions. The OTC works for some people and not for others. L-Glutamine 500 mg 3 times daily. Take on an empty stomach. Take with water. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. To supply needed protein in a readily assimilable form.
Passes the blood-brain barrier to promote healthy mental functioning. Increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect.
L-Glutamine, Amino Acid Supplement, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps,
L-Glutamine Powder, 100% Pure Free Form Amino Acid & GH Releaser, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1 lbAnd
L-Tyrosine500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. Take these supplements with water or juice, not milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6- and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Tyrosine and valerian root taken every 4 hours have given good results for cocaine withdrawal. Caution: Do not take this supplement if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug.
L-Tyrosine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps,
L-Tyrosine Powder, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, Free Form, 4 oz.L-Phenylalanine 1,500 mg daily, taken upon arising. Necessary as a brain fuel. Use for withdrawal symptoms. Caution: Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant or nursing, or suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or PKU.
L-Phenylalanine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 60 CapsS-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) As directed on label. Aids in stress relief, depression, eases pain, and produces antioxidant effects that can improve the health of the liver. Caution: Do not use if you have manic depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants.
SAM-e, Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 30 Caps,
SAM-e With B Vitamin Cofactors, Vegetarian, Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 200 mg, 60 TabsVitamin C With Bioflavonoids 2,000 mg every 3 hours. Detoxifies the system and lessens the craving for drugs. Use a buffered form such as sodium ascorbate. Intravenous administration (under a health care provider's supervision) may be necessary. Enhances immune function.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 TabsZinc As directed on label. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Promotes a healthy immune system and protects the liver from damage.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 CapsHelpful 5-Hydrotryptophan (5-HTP) As directed on label. Aids with both stress and withdrawal symptoms.
Natural Mood Stabilizer, 5HTP Optimum Mood Support, 50 mg, 60 Caps,
5HTP (Hydroxy Tryptophan), Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 120 VCaps,
5HTP Supplement / Hydroxy Tryptophan, Natural Seratonin, With Vitamin B-6 and C, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 60 Tabs,
5HTP With L-Tyrosine, NOW Foods, 200 mg, 60 VCapsMulti-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral Complex As directed on label. All nutrients are needed in high amounts for healing. Use a high-potency formula.
Super Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral, Pure Vital Earth, 32 fl. oz. (98% Bio-Available for Absorption), Damage Control Master Formula, High Potency, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 60 Packets (30 Day Supply)
DRUG ADDICTION & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Supplements and products for Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction, a condition that exists when a person overuses drugs or other substances.
Addiction Free Naturally: Liberating Yourself From Sugar, Caffeine, Food Addictions, Tobacco By Brigitte Mars
A comprehensive guide that helps you overcome addictions by using natural remedies including herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy, flower essence remedies, color therapy, acupressure, and more.Amino 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
AMINO 1000 Complete contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids.Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral With Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Tabs
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Nature's Way Alive Multi-Vitamin. Alive Multi-Vitamin is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.Blue Scullcap (Scutellaria Lateriflora), Standardized, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 VCaps
Scullcap is most commonly used as a sedative and it can take the edge off anxiety and promote sleep for those who struggle with insomnia.B-Stress Vitamin Complex With Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero), Nature's Way, 100 Caps
If you are looking for herbal stress relief, you will find B-Stress Vitamin Complex with Siberian Eleuthero, formerly Siberian Ginseng Root to be just what you are looking for.Buffered Vitamin C 500 Ascorbate, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 Caps
Nature's Way Buffered Vitamin C is less irritating to the stomach. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. White blood cells (neutrophils) utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter.Detoxification: All You Need To Know To Recharge, Renew & Rejuvenate Your Body, Mind & Spirit! By Linda R. Page, N.D., Ph.D.
This encyclopedic guide tells why you need to detox more regularly in our polluted environment, what a good cleanse really does and how to detox safely. It is a tremendous resource for anyone seeking to improve their health by detoxifying.Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
Nature's Way Ester C with Bioflavonoids offers enhanced Retention. Ester-C is 100% natural Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) with enhanced cellular uptake and retention.Ex-Stress Formula With Valerian, Nature's Way, 430 mg, 100 Caps
Relieve stress the all natural way with Nature's Way Ex-Stress Formula with Valerian. Ex-Stress combines popular herbs like Valerian, Hops and Black Cohosh traditionally used to relax the body's systems and provide general health maintenance.GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) Supplement, NOW Foods, 500 mg, Plus B-6, 2 mg, 100 Caps
GABA is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the brain's natural calming agent.Herbal Detox & Flush, Daily Formula With Goldenseal, 60 Caps
This high potency combination makes Daily Herbal Detox and flush a perfect supplement for any detoxification program.L-Glutamine, Amino Acid Supplement, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 120 Caps
L-Glutamine is an important amino acid that helps brain function, as it converts quickly into glucose, the only source of energy to the brain. L-Glutamine promotes better thinking ability, and increases the amount of GABA, another amino acid that aids in proper brain function.Liver Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
The Liver Formula can be used to help treat alcoholism naturally.L-Phenylalanine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 60 Caps
L-Phenylalanine is an Essential Amino Acid that helps to elevate positive mood and may be used in the treatment of some forms of depression. It is essential for the production of adrenalin.L-Tyrosine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps
L-Tyrosine is used to treat insomnia, improve muscle tone, improve skin and hair pigment and depression and anxiety. L-Tyrosine should not to be used while taking prescription antidepressants or MAO inhibitors.Mood Aid Formula, 5-HTP & St. John's Wort Supplement, Nature's Way, 60 Caps
Mood Aid formula, 5-HTP and St. John's Wort Supplement, represents a blend of traditional medicine and recent science.Pantothenic Acid, 100% Natural Vitamin B-5, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-5, is 100% natural calcium pantothenate. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Siberian Eleuthero Root, Nature's Way (Eleuthero, Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root), 410 mg, 100 Caps
Eleuthero Ginseng root (Eleutherococcus Senticosus), also known as Eleuthero Root or Siberian Ginseng Root, enhances physical and mental vitality and endurance.St. John's Wort Supplement, 350 mg, 180 Caps
St. John's Wort Supplement can be helpful in support of depression, menopause, cramps, and insomnia. Nature's Way St. John's Wort extract standardized to 0.3% Hypericin, then synergistically blended with the whole St. John's Wort herb in the perfect balance to ensure consistent hypericin content in each capsule.Stop Cravings Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
This formula helps people stop cravings and move through the withdrawal symptoms from addictions such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, and foods.Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
HerbalRemedies: Drug Abuse / Drug Addiction Information
HerbalRemedies: Drug Abuse / Drug Addiction Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Alcoholism / Alcohol Abuse Information
HELPFUL ONLINE LINKS
MOONDRAGON'S RELATED LINKS
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
If you or a family member are or have symptoms of a drug addiction. Seek out professional care to help you overcome your addiction.
If you or a family member exhibit signs of a drug overdose. Seek medical assistance immediately. This could be LIFE THREATENING.
You have symptoms that get worse despite treatment. You may need to use an alternative form of treatment.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain medications, herbs, or other treatments. Some medications used in people with drug addictions may produce side effects.
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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