When we think of addictions we may associate them with cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. It’s true the use of these substances can cause strong addictions. However, addiction also can include emotional and physical dependency on items like sugar, coffee, food in general or certain tasks or activities. You might become addicted to work (workaholics), exercise, gambling or dieting. These sort of addictions can be just as difficult to remedy as a substance addiction.
Instructions
1. Work on replacing nutrients in your system if there has been long-term substance use. Many times it is the very need in the body for certain depleted vitamins and minerals that causes the cravings associated with many addictions. Secondary symptoms such as insomnia or mood swings can accompany the cravings due to the need for nutrients. Alcoholics' bodies are usually drained of B vitamins. Drug addicts have lost an abundance of minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Vitamin C is known to help the effects caused by the use of strong medications, whether there is an addiction present or not.
2. Oxygenate your body with exercise. While giving up an addictive behavior, it is important to eliminate stress and get plenty of rest. Equally important is to get oxygen into the bloodstream, which in turn benefits all the organs of the body. Exercise, even a short brisk walk, will dispel toxins and make you breathe deeply, filling your lungs with more oxygen. Studies have shown that exercise can improve your outlook on life. It's a natural medicine which improves your physical and mental health.
3. Replenish needed amino acids in your body. Neurotransmitters rely on amino acids as their main building blocks. If neurotransmitters aren’t in good working condition, you are more likely to acquire an addictive behavior as found through studies at The Recovery System Clinic in Mill Valley, California. A low serotonin level can add to cravings for sugar, alcohol and drugs. The amino acid L-tryptophan, when in short supply in the body, leads to a low level of serotonin. Low levels of L-tyrosine can bring on low energy levels and cravings for substances such as chocolate, cocaine and caffeine. L-glutamine deficiencies can bring on anxiety and cravings for alcohol or other tranquilizing substances.
4. Make an appointment with an acupuncturist to relieve your cravings for cigarettes. Recent studies have shown this treatment, when combined with counseling, successful in breaking the habit for 40 percent of patients. With only counseling or only acupuncture treatments the success rate was only 20 percent. Although it is unknown why acupuncture helps, scientists theorize that the process stimulates endorphins (mood enhancers) and this relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
5. Purchase milk thistle powder or capsule form. Especially with alcohol or certain drug addiction the liver can be damaged. This herb has been used for thousands of years to protect the liver against toxins. A recovering alcohol or drug addict should take milk thistle daily. Scientific studies have shown the active ingredient, solitarian, found in this herb works to protect the liver as well as improve its function.
6. Use yellow cana lily to break the cycle of both physical and emotional addiction. This flower essence works on an emotional and mental level rather than as a physical medication. When other treatments have failed, this essence may be able to break apart the emotional hold gambling, alcohol, work or any other addiction has on your behavior. It only takes a few drops mixed in with a small amount of water, taken several times a day. By the time the small bottle is finished, some relief should be realized.
Tags: have shown, addictive behavior, alcohol drugs, amino acids, milk thistle, protect liver, studies have shown