ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

PRELIMINARY LAB WORK

The following conditions must be considered in the individual with an ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT. Choose labwork to screen first for these conditions and proceed to further testing if indicated. Labwork listed is extensive and is not necessary in all cases.

• Hypoglycemia:  The symptom picture will be most beneficial. However, it may be difficult to distinguish it from substance addiction. You may want a random glucose or glucose tolerance test.
• Hyperlipidemia:  Cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HDL.
• Liver function:  ALP, AST, ALT, LH, total and direct bilirubin, complete protein, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, BUN, creatinine, and uric acid
• Nutrient status:  urinalysis, CBC (folic acid deficiency anemia is commonly seen), electrolytes, vitamin, and trace mineral assays. May check hair samples for long-term deficiencies and heavy metal toxicity.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Diet

Reducing or eliminating simple sugars and refined carbohydrates is essential to managing hypoglycemia and will help prevent relapse. Saturated fats should be avoided in cases of hyperlipidemia. Certain foods will also help to relieve depression, including serotonin-containing foods such as bananas, papaya, pineapple (be careful with the sugar content of these foods), and steel-cut oats.

Exercise

A regular regimen will revitalize the body and give a sense of well-being.

Mental-Emotional Support and Counseling

Extensive support needs to be built as the individual recovering from addiction begins to face all that has been avoided during the period of substance abuse. This can be developed through relationships with family, peers, and professionals. I offer NET as an awesome therapy to help. Check it out here.

Botanical Treatments

Liver Support Phase 1

Protect and tonify. Consider Silybum marianum, which also lowers blood lipids.

Liver Support Phase 2

Stimulate and eliminate. Use cholagogues and mild laxatives.

Diaphoretics

to aid in eliminating toxins from the blood, especially in conjunction with sauna and steam treatment. Consider alternative and diuretic diaphoretics when vitality is regained.

Immune System

Is often significantly compromised in long-term abuse. Immune-supportive and stimulating herbs should be a part of the formula.

Central Nervous System

Scutellaria laterifolia for irritability and restlessness and Avena sativa for depression and depletion. Both are trophorestorative and have lasting effects.

SUPPLEMENTS

The following supplements are indicated for an individual recovering from alcoholism or other substance abuse in an addiction recovery treatment. Not all supplements are necessary for every individual. Individual supplements as well as a good multivitamin, may be recommended. Dosages will be reduced slowly over the course of one year or longer.

Vitamin A	<5000 IU/day	In cases of deficiency due to increased absorption and storage by the liver and to build up the immune System. Consider 25,000 IU/day of beta carotene as a substitute.
Vitamin B3	up to 3g/day	Helps in the oxidation of sugars to regulate blood sugar levels. Involved in lipid metabolism and will help to resolve hyperlipidemia.
Vitamin B6	200mg/day	Helps in amino acid absorption and metabolism, including neurotransmitter synthesis
Chromium	200mg/day	A constituent of glucose tolerance factor. Helps to regulate blood sugar levels and improves the blood lipid profile.
Zinc	15mg/day	Acts as a cofactor in detoxification reactions. Deficiencies may cause decreased alcohol metabolism and may predispose to liver cirrhosis
Magnesium	250-500mg/day	Given calcium for relaxing/anti-spasmodic effects. Give more if indicated due to increased loss via the kidney.
L-glutamine	250-1000mg/day	To reduce cravings and stress.
D-L-phenylalanine	>1g/day	To reduce cravings and depression.
L-tyrosine	500-1500mg/day	A metabolite of phenylalanine and a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Helps to reduce cravings, stress, and depression.
L-cysteine	>1g/day	Helps to protect tissues from toxins.
L-carnitine	1000mg/day	For proper lipid metabolism and to prevent fatty liver.
L-tryptophan	1-3g/day	A precursor for serotonin to reduce depression accompanying withdrawal.
Essential fatty acids		Omega 3 and omega 6 oils to help minimize inflammatory and allergic reactions. Also helps to normalize blood lipid profiles. Deficiencies are common due to decreased intake and increased secretion of prostaglandins by the kidney.

For specific help, contact me for an appointment or conduct our Clinical Detoxification Program and reshare your life in 21 days.

SOURCES

• Wrong Diagnosis, Wrong Treatment by J. Beasly, MD
• Mental and Elemental Health by C. Pfeiffer
• The Healing Nutrients Within by E. Braverman and C Pfeiffer.
• Lecture notes from Addictions and Disorders, Fall 1992 by Walter Crinion, ND, and John Hibbs, ND

addiction recovery treatment