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An addiction exists when our body or mind becomes so accustomed to the presence of a drug, that it will not function properly or will have an adverse reaction if the drug is withdrawn. Not all drug users become addicted and not all drugs are illegal. Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are legalized drugs that may or may not become an addiction problem for those who use them.
Addiction is defined by tolerance, withdrawal, and craving. We recognize addiction by a person's heightened and habituated need for a substance; by the intense suffering that results from discontinuation of its use; and by the person's willingness to sacrifice all (to the point of self-destructiveness) for drug taking.
Addiction, at its extreme, is an overwhelming pathological involvement: the object of addiction is the addicted person's experience of the combined physical, emotional, and environmental elements that make up the involvement for that person. Addiction is often characterized by a traumatic withdrawal reaction to the deprivation of this state or experience. Tolerance - or the increasingly high level of need for the experience - and craving are measured by how willing the person is to sacrifice other rewards or sources of well-being in life to the pursuit of the involvement. The key to addiction, seen in this light, is its persistence in the face of harmful consequences for the individual.
There are numerous determining factors for how long drug toxins stay in a persons body which vary from person to person, such as the analytical method used, your health, your body weight, metabolism, fluid intake, the type of toxin, and the degree of exposure to the toxin.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, one of nearly 400 chemicals in a hemp plant, accounts for most of marijuana's psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects. The strength of the drug is determined by the amount of THC it contains which varies from plant to plant.
Causes & Development; Risk Factors
Most researchers believe that addictions are centered around the effect that addictive drugs have on dopamine levels in the brain. Addictive drugs, which generally have numerous other dangerous side-effects, also elevate the levels of dopamine in our brain. Our body then continues to crave these feelings and this may account for the repetition inherent in addictive behavior.
The more drugs like alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines are used to enhance mood, the more they are craved for continued mood enhancement until they become an addiction. Additionally, anything that people do a lot of they tend to develop an enjoyment for. This includes addictions or obsessions to potentially negative behaviors, such as sex, pain, criminal activity, etc. that produce increased levels of dopamine for "feel good" rushes.
Researchers believe that heredity may be increase the susceptibility to addiction. Research has found that children of alcoholics or a family history of alcoholism are 400 times more likely to use drugs and have a drug addiction.
Treatment & Prevention
Considerations for Rehabilitation and Quitting Drug Use
There seems to be no single treatment that will help all people. Thus the treatment may need to be tailored for the individual.
To minimize withdrawal symptoms it is often recommended that drugs be eliminated gradually over a period of four weeks or longer. For serious drug addictions hospitalization and or professional help.
Many rehabilitation programs focus on body detoxification and elimination as it is thought that drug residue remaining in the body increases the desire for reuse.
Often heat therapy, detoxifying and nutritional supplementation, and other drugs that enhance dopamine production and levels without the serious side effects of the drug addiction will enhance the recovery process.
Important Lifestyle Changes for Drug Detoxification and Recovery- Drink lots of water -- at least two quarts a day several days to assist in flushing the body of drug toxins and cleansing the body.
- Avoid large quantities of processed foods and sugars that may produce quick energy but will have a down effect that may increase drug cravings.
- Since THC is fat-soluble and is stored in fat cells, exercise will help burn the fat cells thus releasing more THC into your urine sample. Exercise and dry sauna heat will help remove the THC and other drug toxins from the body.
- You should avoid all toxins and unnecessary medications that may trigger drug cravings.
- If residue from marijuana continues to exist in the user's body cravings for marijuana will arise and withdrawal symptoms persist. The goal of marijuana detox is to ultimately eliminate the drug, and all its metabolites from the body to increase the chance of a successful recovery. The human body will eventually expel the remaining marijuana residue through urination and sweating.
- Various drug rehabilitation centers use scientifically proven methods to expedite the marijuana detox process, which in turn, makes for a faster and easier recovery.
Supplements that Support Drug Rehabilitation, Recovery and Drug Detox- Essential Fatty Acids Help reverse the effects of malnutrition related to drug addiction.
- Vitamin B Complex Helps when under physical and mental stress to rebuild the liver, helps reduce stress.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) helps reduce stress and supports the adrenal glands.
- Calcium and Magnesium help nourish the central nervous system and help control tremors by calming the body.
- Free Form Amino Acid Complex supplies body of needed proteins in an available format.
- L-Glutamine helps increase the levels of GABA in the brain which has a calming effect.
- L-Tyrosine and Valerian have shown to be supportive for Cocaine withdrawals. Do not take L-Tyrosine if using a MAO inhibitor drug.
- Gamma Amino Butyric Acid ( GABA ) - may help relax and reduce cravings.
- L-Phenylalanine may assist with withdrawal symptoms. Do not use if taking a PKU, or if you are pregnant or nursing, suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- S-Adenosylmethionine ( SAMe ) aids in stress reduction and depression. An antioxidant that supports liver function.
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan aids with stress and withdrawal symptoms.
- Vitamin C helps detoxify and reduces drug cravings.
- Zinc supports the immune system and protects the liver.
- Herbs and Herb Formulas with Burdock Root, Red Clover, Milk Thistle aid in cleansing the toxins from the blood stream and the liver - St. Johns Wort has been shown to support mood and reduce depression.
- Siberian Ginseng helps those suffering from cocaine withdrawals.
- Multivitamin and mineral complex will ensure complete nutritional intake.
Prognosis; Complications
The amount of pleasure created by addictive substances is so strong that in many cases even after years of abstinence, there are mental and physical triggers that may cause a person to relapse into use. Research has shown that long-term drug abuse and addictions result in changes in brain chemistry that may persist for years after the individual stops using the drug.
Our bodies have a natural tendency toward reduced reaction to foreign substances, and over time this phenomenon increases the quantity of a drug required to produce the same physical and mental pleasure. Thus addicts must increase the quantity of drug they are using to get the same feelings of euphoria and mood enhancement. In many cases the need for such a large quantity of the addictive drug will cause a drug overdose, often killing the user.
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Risk factors for Addictions / Addictive Tendencies:
Recommendations and treatments for Addictions / Addictive Tendencies: | | | | | Diet |  Therapeutic Fasting | Fasting makes it easier to overcome bad habits and addictions. Many people have overcome tobacco and alcohol cravings, and even drug addictions, by fasting. |
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Nutrient |
TMG (Tri-methyl-glycine)| | TMG or SAMe may be especially useful in treating depression associated with drug withdrawal. |
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KEY | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Dopamine
A neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. Carries signals between neurons and controls feelings of satisfaction, arousal, reward and mood.
Essential Fatty Acid (EFA, EFAs, Essential Fatty Acids)
A substance that the human body cannot manufacture and therefore must be supplied in the diet.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
An amino acid derivative that is a calming substance. Tranquilizers such as valium and Librium owe their soothing effects to the fact that they stimulate GABA receptors in the brain.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus. Histamine is the chemical that drives the initial acute allergic reaction, causing itching, swelling and congestion.
Hypoglycemia
A condition characterized by an abnormally low blood glucose level. Severe hypoglycemia is rare and dangerous. It can be caused by medications such as insulin (diabetics are prone to hypoglycemia), severe physical exhaustion, and some illnesses.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Magnesium
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Metabolite (Metabolites)
Any product (foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)
An enzyme catalyzing the removal of an amine group from a variety of substrates, including norepinephrine and dopamine. MAO inhibitors block the action of MAO, thus raising the levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin - which have significant effects on mood and behavior. Epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin are normally deactivated by MAO-A while dopamine and phenylethylamine are normally metabolized by MAO-B.
Panic Attack (Panic Attacks)
A brief, irrational episode of fear that is perceived as so real that an individual may be driven to escape from the place or situation where it occurs. The attack is sudden and increases in severity until it leaves, usually within ten minutes. Panic attack symptoms are numerous and involve both mental and physical signs and symptoms. A panic attack can occur in other anxiety states such as agoraphobia and with certain activities and places. It may occur spontaneously without an apparent cause.
Pantothenic Acid
A B-complex vitamin necessary for the normal functioning of the adrenal gland, which directly affects growth. It is also essential for the formation of fatty acids. As a coenzyme, it participates in the utilization of riboflavin and in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Tri-Methyl-Glycine (DMG, TMG)
After supplying a methyl group, TMG becomes di-methyl-glycine. DMG, a natural component of animal and plant metabolism, positively influences the immune response in laboratory animals and humans and boosts physical and mental performance.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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