Addictions (general remedies for)
Synopsis of Addictions (general remedies for)
Addiction is a chronic disorder marked by the compulsive engagement with a substance (such as drugs, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine) or behavior (such as gambling, internet use, or shopping) despite harmful consequences. It alters brain reward pathways, leading to cravings, loss of control, and continued use or engagement even when it damages health, relationships, and well-being.
Although addictions can vary in form—ranging from chemical (drug, alcohol, nicotine) to behavioral (gambling, food, internet)—they share common mechanisms involving dopamine dysregulation, impulse control challenges, and emotional coping difficulties. Comprehensive treatment often combines medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support. Nutritional, herbal, and lifestyle remedies can provide complementary support during withdrawal and recovery but do not replace professional care.
Types:
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Substance addiction: Alcohol, drugs, nicotine, caffeine.
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Behavioral addiction: Gambling, food, sex, shopping, internet, gaming.
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Polysubstance addiction: Dependence on multiple substances.
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Co-occurring disorders: Addiction alongside mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Common Causes:
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Genetic predisposition: Family history increases susceptibility.
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Environmental factors: Trauma, abuse, neglect, peer pressure, and high-stress environments.
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Mental health disorders: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD often co-occur with addiction.
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Neurochemical imbalances: Dysfunction in dopamine and serotonin systems impacts reward pathways.
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Social isolation: Lack of supportive relationships or community increases risk.
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Chronic stress or unresolved trauma: Promotes reliance on substances or behaviors as coping mechanisms.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Physical health decline: Organ damage, infections, chronic diseases (e.g., liver, heart, lung issues).
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Mental health deterioration: Worsening depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation.
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Social consequences: Relationship breakdown, job loss, financial instability, legal issues.
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Cognitive impairments: Affect memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
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Relapse cycles: Repeated attempts to quit followed by return to use.
When to See a Doctor or Mental Health Professional:
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Continued use despite harmful effects
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Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop
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Loss of control over substance or behavior
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Co-occurring mental health disorders
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Physical health issues related to addiction
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Repeated failed attempts to quit or reduce behavior
Natural remedies for Addictions (general remedies for)
Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Eleuthero): Help regulate the stress response, balance mood, and support adrenal function. Useful for reducing anxiety, cravings, and fatigue during recovery.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support brain health, reduce inflammation, and help restore neurotransmitter balance. Essential for healing neurological pathways affected by addiction.
Magnesium Supplementation: Calms the nervous system, improves sleep quality, and reduces withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. Supports relaxation and stress resilience.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): Boosts glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, and supports detoxification. May help reduce cravings, particularly in substance and behavioral addictions.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Support emotional regulation, reduce cravings, and enhance self-awareness. Help manage stress and triggers for relapse.
Physical Exercise: Boosts mood-regulating neurotransmitters (endorphins, dopamine), supports detoxification, and improves sleep. Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are beneficial.
Hydration and Nutrient-Dense Diet: Flushes toxins, supports organ function, and replenishes nutrients depleted by addiction. Emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
Sleep Hygiene: Quality sleep is crucial for brain healing and emotional stability. Implement consistent sleep routines and avoid stimulants before bed.
Support Groups and Therapy: Provides emotional support, accountability, and coping tools. Groups like 12-step programs or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are core to long-term recovery.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Addictions (general remedies for)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
beta caryophyllene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
eleuthero
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
green tea
hemp oil
kudzu
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lavender
licorice root
magnesium
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhizome
rhodiola
selenium
valerian root
vitamin C
water
zinc
squawvine
shen-chu
sweet flag
fulvic acid
St. John's Wort
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
soursop
geranium
star of Bethlehem
5-HTP
Alcohol
Ash
Animal Tissue
Aroma
Alpinia
African Ginger
American Basil
Average Herb Strength
Agmisode
Aldimine
Aliphatic alcohol
Arginine Creatine
Aga
Arsenic
Aspartic Acid
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia julibrissin
Albizia
Arsenic
Artemisia
Algae (unspecified)
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Adrenergic amines
Aquilegia formosa
Active Amines
Alkyl (unspecified)
Algae
Alpha lactalbumin
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Alkaloids
Asteracea
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Alpha Glucans
Antimony
Amino Acid Blend/Complex
alkaloid
Avian (unspecified)
Ant
Artemisia (unspecified)
Ash (unspecified)
Atlantic Cedar
Androstenetriol
Blend (Combination)
Beta Phenethylalamine
Blue Flag
Botanical Blend
Bidens pilosa
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
benzenoid (unspecified)
Blackboard tree
Brazillian peppertree
Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)
berry
Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Blue-Green Algae
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Bacopa monnieri
Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil Supplement)
Bee products
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
Blue-Green Alage
B. brevia
Beta Glucans
Blue Green Algae
Biogenic amine
bitartrate
Blend (combination)
Curry leaf
Colostrum
Croton seeds
Cannabis
Chlorophyllin
Cinnamic aldehyde
Cordycepic acids
Calcium Ascorbate
Cannabinoids
Catecholamine
Cockroach
Colotsrum
Chokecherry
Complex
cloves
Calamus rhizome
Comb
California Pitcher Plant
Cassia (unspecified)
Common madia
Chinese Licorice
Cornus
Calamus
Capsules
capsule
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Chrysophanics
Duodenum
D-phenylalanine
DL-Phenyl-Alanine 4,2-Dimethylaminoethyl
Duodenal Substance
Devil's Club
DL-phenylalanine
Dopamine
Delivery system
DMG (Dimethylglycine)
Exphedrine HCl
Endorphin (unspecified)
Essential oil (unspecified)
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Flavor
Fucoidan
food additive (unspecified)
Flower Pollen
Free Form Amino Acid
Fomes fomentarius
Fatty acids
Fungus
Fungus (unspecified)
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
Genseng (not specified)
Ginseng, Oriental
Ginsenosides
Ghee
Glucan peptides
Growth factors
Ginsenosides (unspecified)
Guaranine
Ginseng (unspecified)
Geranium
Ginger oleoresin
Ginkgo
Ginsenoside
Ginseng, Panax
Glycyrrhizin
Glycoprotein (unspecified)
Ginger
Glutamine precursor (unspecified)
Glycerite
Glycoprotein (unspecified)
Holy Basil Herb
Hypothalamus
Heal-All
Hypericum (unspecified)
Herbal Blend
Holy Basil
Hemp
Huang Hua (unspecified)
Isoquinoline alkaloids
Ilex (unspecified)
Kratom
Kudzu
Kurtha zopfil
L-Tryptophan
L-Tyrosine
Licorice (unspecified)
Licorice
Licorice (various)
L-Leucine
Lactalbumin
Lactalbumin
L-Phenylalanine
Lewis's monkey flower
Mineral ascorbate (unspecified)
Melia (unspecified)
Monoterpenes
Marijuana
Momordica (unspecified)
Marine colloids
Mushroom (various)
Morning Glory
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-acetylcysteine
Nux Vomica
Nucno Pichana
Nigella Seed
Nutmeg
Oxygen
Oleoresin (unspecified)
Puerain
Proprietary Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Proprietary Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil supplement)
Pungent Principles
Polysaccharide
Phenethylamine (PEA)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Polysaccharides
Pagoda Tree
Pentacyclic alkaloids
Peptide (unspecified)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids (unspecified)
Peptides (unspecified)
Phenolics (unspecified)
phenethylamine (PEA)
Protein
Phenylalanine
Peptide
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Pepper (unspecified)
Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids
Phosphorus oxide
plant (unspecified)
Peptide (unspecified)
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phenolic (unspecified)
Pungent compounds (unspecified)
Petiveria
Peptides
Reishi mushroom
Resin (unspecified)
Rauwolscine
Softgel/ Soft gel
Savory (unspecified)
Sete sangrias
Solanaceae (unspecified)
Sesquiterpenes
Sea water
Serum
Sagebrush (unspecified)
Sodium Benzoate
Spice (unspecified)
Stinging Nettle
Sesquiterpene
Seasoning (unspecified)
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Schisandrins
Schizandrol A
Star of Bethlehem
Schisandra
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Schisandrin
Terpenoids
Tea (unspecified)
Terpene
Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids
Tea (mixed)
Trichilia catigua
Triterpenes
Turmeric
Terpenoid (unspecified)
Tyrosine
Tablet
Terpene (unspecified)
Trametes (unspecified)
Tagetes
Thuja plicata
Tree (unspecified)
Tetrahydropalmatine
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Valerian
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vegetable Source
Vitamin C (ascorbic palmitate)
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vodka
Vitamin B1 (Sulbutiamine)
Whey Protein
Wild Indigo
Wine (unspecified)
Yohimbines (unspecified)
Zeolite
Zinc magnesium aspartate
