Holistic Approaches : The Addiction Recovery Guide

Developed in China over 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is part of a system of medicine that seeks to establish the free and balanced flow of energy (or chi) by the insertion of needles on specific points along the energy pathways of the body. It is based on the idea that blocked chi is the cause of disharmony in the body/mind, and therefore disease.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance (acupuncturealliance.org)
This site provides a referral service to help people locate acupuncture or Oriental medicine practitioners in the US. It contains over 8,000 practitioners who have been verified as state licensed or national board certified in acupuncture or Oriental medicine with the appropriate state agency or national certification commission. Searches can be done by practitioner’s last name, zip code, city, area code or state.

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (medicalacupuncture.org)
A physician-only professional acupuncture society. Their site provides a medical acupuncturist referral service located by state or area code as well as general information and research on acupuncture.

RESEARCH: Avants SK. Margolin A. Holford TR. Kosten TR. “A randomized controlled trial of auricular acupuncture for cocaine dependence.” Archives of Internal Medicine. 160(15):2305-12, 2000. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Patients who received acupuncture in this study were significantly more likely to test free of cocaine at the end of the eight week treatment period. Researchers concluded that acupuncture shows promise for the treatment of cocaine abuse and should be further studied.

Acupuncture is currently used in many drug treatment facilities or can be part of a self-help program for recovery.

Animal-assisted therapy is being used in a wide variety of settings to help people with acute and chronic illnesses. This is based on the many physiological and psychological benefits documented in patients during interactions with animals. These include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased beta-endorphin levels, decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning, and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-esteem. Animal therapy is looked upon as both a learning and healing experience.

Chenny Troupe (chennytroupe.org)
Chenny Troupe is a Chicago-based network of volunteers and their certified therapy dogs who offer rehabilitative therapy to people with physical and emotional challenges. They have developed programs for teens with substance abuse problems at two drug rehabilitation centers in Chicago, Gateway Treatment Center and City Girls. Their web site describes their history and therapeutic programs.

Delta Society (deltasociety.org)
Delta Society is a leading international resource for the human-animal bond and its relationship to improving human health. Their web site provides information on animal-assisted therapy, a wide variety of articles on the health benefits for different groups of people, and training information.

Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy Foundation (therapet.com)
This non-profit organization works to facilitate the use of animals in the healing and rehabilitation of acute and chronically ill individuals. The web site discusses the nature and benefits of animal-assisted therapy, their training programs and seminars, and books and videos on the topic.

EQUINE THERAPY
counselormagazine.com/display_article.asp?aid=june05EquineTherapy.htm
Equine therapy originally started as a program that used riding horses as a therapy for individuals with physical disabilities. It has since been found that people recovering from addiction can also benefit from interactions with horses. This type of outdoor experiential therapy combines the power of nature with the benefit of forming a relationship with an animal to help build confidence, trust, patience, and self-esteem.

Residential Treatment Centers offering Equine Therapy:
Sierra Tucson (sierratucson.com/therapies_therrecactvts.php)
Cirque Lodge (cirquelodge.com)
Cottonwood (cottonwooddetucson.com/adultprograms.html)
English Mountain Retreat (englishmountainretreat.org)

Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy Foundation (therapet.com)
This non-profit organization works to facilitate the use of animals in the healing and rehabilitation of acute and chronically ill individuals. The web site discusses the nature and benefits of animal-assisted therapy, their training programs and seminars, and books and videos on the topic.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants and herbs that can be inhaled or applied through the skin. Aromas derived from these natural plant sources have been shown in clinical studies to have positive effects on the mind and the body. These essential oils, which are composed of naturally occurring chemicals, can help to support emotional balance, a sense of calm, stress relief, and feelings of well-being.

AromaWeb (aromaweb.com)
This informative web site contains an Article Archive with 32 articles covering an explanation of aromatherapy, its history, ingredients, safety, storage and more. Also available are detailed profiles on 90 essential oils. Aromatherapy can be used to lessen symptoms such as anxiety, depression and insomnia that often complicate drug recovery. Click on “Oil Profiles” on the left-hand menu and choose “Essential Oils for Emotional Well-Being” for a description of specific oils that address these needs. Oils can be purchased directly online at this web site.

The Lenair Technique Center (lenair.com)
Rhonda Lenair is a healer and medical intuitive who specializes in addiction. Lenair sees addiction as an imbalance in people's bioelectric systems. Through her own energy system she transfers healing currents to restore equilibrium. Fees for a 3-session program are $1865.00. Fees for an initial telephone consultation are $395.00 for thirty minutes and $135.00 for each follow-up 15 minute conversation. The Lenair Technique Center is currently located in Newbury, Massachusetts but will be relocating to Benson, Vermont in the near future. The web site includes explanations of energy medicine in the context of addiction, details of the programs offered, articles on her work, testimonials, and more.

Biofeedback is a scientific way of learning tension reduction. Biofeedback practitioners employ instruments to give a person immediate feedback about the level of tension in their body. People practicing biofeedback often say they gain psychological confidence when they learn they can control their physiology. Biofeedback has been found effective in several aspects of addiction treatment.

RESEARCH: Stewart SH, Kushner MG. “Introduction to the special issue on “Anxiety Sensitivity and Addictive Behaviors.” Addictive Behaviors. 26(6): 775-785, 2001.

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is characterized by a fear of arousal-related bodily sensations that are interpreted as signs of impending catastrophe on physical, psychological, or social levels. AS has been linked to increased risk for the development of panic attacks, anxiety disorders and more recently to substance use disorders. AS is thought to increase drug withdrawal severity and to lower tolerance for withdrawal symptoms.

Biofeedback is a technique that is used to treat the type of anxiety sensitivity described above.

Brain wave biofeedback (or neurofeedback) is a therapy in which patients learn to alter their brain wave patterns. In one type of neurofeedback the training involves normalization of alpha and theta waves which are disturbed by long term substance abuse. Brainwave Biofeedback has shown dramatic success in several studies to prevent relapses from drug and alcohol addiction. This very promising treatment can be more fully understood by Reading "Effects of Neurofeedback on Chemical Dependency Treatment" by D.A. Kaiser, S. Othmer and W. Scott at eegspectrum.com/Applications/Addiction/

Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) (bcia.org)
BCIA certifies practitioners in both biofeedback and neurofeedback. Their site provides an updated register of certified practitioners. A Practitioner Search can be done by first and/or last name of the practitioner, city, state, or zip code. The letters BCIA after a name means the practitioner is certified in General Biofeedback. The letters EEG after a name means the practitioner is certified in EEG Biofeedback (or Neurofeedback). In addition information is given on questions you might ask a practitioner before scheduling a session.

EEG Spectrum International (eegspectrum.com)
This site provides a good introduction to neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) including its applications to various health conditions. In the "Finding a Provider" section of the site you can locate by state a therapist or practitioner who has been trained in neurofeedback at the EEG Spectrum Institute.

RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTERS OFFERING BRAINWAVE BIOFEEDBACK

Cri-Help (www.cri-help.org)
Offers a wide range of therapeutic services including neurofeedback and acupuncture. See our Residential Treatment section for information on this Center.

Healthcare Connection of Tampa (healthcareconnectionoftampa.com)
Specializes in the treatment of impaired professionals. Their program is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, behavioral modification and other psychotherapeutic approaches, and innovative techniques such as neurofeedback and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

RESEARCH: Trudeau DL. “The treatment of addictive disorders by brain wave biofeedback: a review and suggestions for future research.” Clinical Electroencephalography. 31(1): 13-22, 2000. In small clinical trials and case studies, specific EEG aberrations in substance abuse disorders have been noted, including very specific abnormalities likely associated with drug neurotoxicity. This suggests the possibility that specific EEG biofeedback protocols may be studied for their effect on these conditions.

The creative therapies can be very helpful in the process of recovery from addiction. They can provide time to get in touch with the inner self and with the higher power and can provide a form of expression for feelings that cannot be easily identified or put into words. Through helping the addict connect with his/her more authentic self, the expressive therapies can help raise self-esteem and provide an opportunity to create new experiences beyond habitual and painful emotional patterns. The creative arts foster a renewed ability to relax without drugs or alcohol.

American Art Therapy Association (AATA) (arttherapy.org)
Describes the therapeutic process of art therapy, posts research articles on its use, and in the Members section provides links to Chapter web sites throughout the U.S. to locate practitioners who are AATA members.

Coloring Therapy (www.coloringtherapy.com)
Many people find meditation difficult to attain even though the benefits are well documented. In Coloring Therapy, the focus of meditation is easily attained through the activity of coloring itself. Coloring is used as a way to begin to quiet the mind, listen inwardly and open up to higher knowledge, healing, and creativity. This alternative to formal meditation practices can help people of all ages in recovery improve coping and awareness skills through an enjoyable activity. The web site describes three steps in color therapy, online articles, coloring stories and health links.

Creative Recovery (creativerecovery.artbabyart.net)
Creative Recovery can be used in conjunction with an existing recovery program or philosophy. The web site describes the process of "finding the truth within" and then gives a series of exercises including creative journaling ideas to help people explore their deep thoughts, feelings and beliefs and connect with their natural creativity.

Creative Source (creativesourcesf.com)
Adriana Marchione, MA, CHT, specializes in working with recovery from all forms of addiction. Her work offers creative healing opportunities that complement psychotherapy and twelve-step programs. Her approach draws from a movement-based expressive arts therapy model and Depth Hypnosis - a method of hypnotherapy that utilizes hypnosis, meditation and shamanic techniques. Through individual and group sessions this therapeutic approach employs a variety of methods to support emotional and physical health, creative growth and a deeper connection to life. Recovery groups and retreats are also available that offer the opportunity for participants to express their stories in words, images and movement both in the studio and in natural surroundings.

National Coalition of Arts Therapies Associations (nccata.org)
Founded in 1979, this coalition brings together the professional associations dedicated to the advancement of six creative arts therapies. Their web site provides basic information on these approaches: art, dance/movement, drama, music, psychodrama and poetry. Each modality uses the creative process to support health, communication, self-expression, and positive change.

The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) (adta.org)
Provides information on the field of dance therapy including its philosophy, training and credentials, and research. The Contacts page lists members who serve as contacts for various regions in the U.S. and the Information page contains a form to purchase the ADTA membership directory ($10.00) in order to locate a dance therapy practitioner.

The National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) (nadt.org)
Describes the process of drama therapy, educational qualifications for therapists, and provides contact information for regional representatives in order to locate member practitioners by geographic area.

Drumming (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Drumming can be a simple yet powerful way to enhance recovery. New medical research shows that it can slow down brain wave cycles, enhancing theta-wave production and brain wave synchronization. This is important as addicts often have brain wave abnormalities as explained in our section on brain wave biofeedback.

POETRY

National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) (poetrytherapy.org)
Poetry therapy is the intentional use of the written and spoken word for healing and personal growth. Their web site provides links to poetry sites and training and education information. A Mentor list posted on their web site under Training and Education can be used to locate a poetry therapy practitioner in various geophraphical locations in the U.S.

30 Minute Mandalas (30minutemandalas.com)
This combination of quieting the mind and coloring has been found helpful for those dealing with anxiety and other recovery issues. The website offers 2-3 free mandalas to download and color, with new downloads available every month or so.

Clickncolour (clickncolour.com)
A coloring site designed for adults and older children. You can color on screen or print out the unusual designs for a calming experience.

Herbs are natural botanical substances that have effects on the body. Many herbs have long been used in detoxification. Kudzu has the potential for moderating alcohol abuse. Kava and valerian can be used to treat the insomnia that accompanies withdrawal. Milk thistle has been shown to improve liver function.

The use of herbs in the recovery process may be most effective when used in conjunction with other strategies that support the whole person including nutrition, bodywork, acupuncture, relaxation and exercise.

Alternative Medicine Foundation (AMF) (herbmed.org)
This site, highly recommended by herbal therapists and physicians who use herbs, features HerbMed, an evidence-based resource on medicinal herbs providing a variety of detailed information on approximately 125 herbs. The site also links to clinical and scientific publications.

Medline Plus (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/herb_All.html)
MedlinePlus, developed by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, offers a section on 103 commonly used Herbs and Supplements covering background, evidence, dosing, safety, and interactions.

RESEARCH: Takahashi M, Toduyama S. “Pharmacological and physiological effects of ginseng on actions induced by opioids and psychostimulants.” Methods & Findings in Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology. 20(1): 77-84, 1998.

This review summarizes studies that looked at the effects of ginseng on the actions of opioids and psychostimulants. Among the findings, ginseng was able to block the analgesic effects of opioids and inhibit tolerance to and dependence on morphine. Findings provide evidence that ginseng may be useful clinically for the prevention and treatment of morphine, cocaine, and methamphetamine dependence.

Akhondzadeh S. Kashani L, et al. "Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics. 26(5):369-73, 2001.

Clonidine-based therapies are used to treat the physical symptoms of withdrawal during opiate detoxification, but have not effectively addressed associated mental symptoms such as anxiety. The herbal extract Passionflower has been successfully used in the management of anxiety, and in this study the use of a daily dose of 60 drops of passionflower extract with a maximum daily dose of 0.8 mg of clonidine showed a significant superiority over clonidine alone in the management of mental symptoms associated with detoxification.

Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine that uses highly-diluted remedies to treat illness and relieve discomfort in a wide variety of health conditions. It is thought that homeopathic remedies are able to stimulate a person’s bodily systems to deal with stress and illness more efficiently. Research is currently being undertaken to understand how and why these remedies work on the mental and physical level. Specific homeopathic remedies may be helpful during the period of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs.

Homeopathy is practiced by licensed physicians and other qualified prescribers in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the U.S. While self-care with homeopathy can be helpful for minor short-term illnesses and injuries, if an illness or condition is chronic or serious, it is best to consult an experienced prescriber for a remedy that more accurately meets an individual’s health needs.

Healthwell (healthwell.com)
First click on Healthnotes on the top menu bar and then click on Homeopathy in the middle of the page. Select Alcohol Withdrawal Support for a list of homeopathic remedies that may be helpful during the stress of withdrawal for symptoms such as anxiety, fear, fatigue, insomnia, irritability and more. Dosage directions are also provided.

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and concentration induced by the self or a therapist. From that state, the mind is especially receptive to ideas and suggestions compatible with the person's goals. Some people have found hypnosis to be a useful part of a total recovery program.

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) (asch.net)
The ASCH site provides general information on hypnotherapy, its benefits and medical uses, and guidance in how to select a qualified hypnotherapist. To obtain a referral list, either call (630/980-4740) or email info@asch.net the ASCH office with a fax number and include the state in which you reside. You can also send a self-addressed stamped envelope to ASCH, 130 East Elm Court, Suite 201, Roselle, IL 60172-2000.

Imagery involves the use of the imagination to achieve specific healing and life goals. It can be effective in helping people cope with stress and regain a sense of control and well-being. As with all other mind/body techniques, interest, motivation and practice are keys to the successful use of imagery for health and healing.

Health Journeys (healthjourneys.com/product_catalog.asp)
Alcohol and Other Drugs (audiotape) Created by Belleruth Naparstek, a pioneer in guided imagery, this audiotape is designed to reduce addictive craving and the discomfort of withdrawal, teach new relaxation skills, and reinforce positive behavior change. Tapes can be ordered by telephone (1-800-800-8661), online or by mail.

Massage and bodywork address the mind/body/spirit, offering the possibility of healing and self-development on many levels. On a physical level they can facilitate the release of tension and holding and improve energy balance and flow. They also offer the opportunity to explore deeper levels of relaxation and peace, greater self-acceptance and awareness, and a deeper connection to self and others.

HealthWorldOnline (healthy.net/clinic/therapy/body/index.asp)
This link will bring you to a series of articles on the history and basic principles of massage therapy and bodywork, the different varieties of bodywork, a resource center, self-massage techniques, and more.

There are many different types of meditation which all work to slow down the chatter of the mind and promote relaxation and mental clarity.

The Internet Yogi (theinternetyogi.com)
This web site was developed by David Shannahoff-Khalsa, a research scientist at the University of California, San Diego who specializes in treating psychiatric disorders with Kundalini Yoga. He has developed a protocol using Kundalini Yoga meditation to treat obsessive compulsive disorders and addiction. These techniques can also help improve mental concentration and mental stability, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote a deep sense of inner peace. The protocol uses unique intense active meditative breathing, chanting, and movement techniques (all while sitting in a chair), and is available for purchase on videotape on his web site.

In addition, Dr. Shannahoff-Khalsa has written an article describing a specific Kundalini Yoga meditation technique for treating addictive disorders that is available full text online.

Shannahoff-Khalsa DS. "An introduction to Kundalini yoga meditation techniques that are specific for the treatment of psychiatric disorders." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Volume 10, Number 1, 2004, pp. 91-101.

This has the potential to be very helpful in reducing the obsessive thinking and cravings that often lead to relapse.

Meditations for Life (imeem.com/tag/addiction/undefined)
Addiction Recovery Meditations: Each meditation is available on CD or Cassette.

Plum Village (www.plumvillage.org)
Vietnamese Zen Master Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist monk, poet, scholar, and human rights activist. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in the 1960's, he has been living in exile in France since 1969 because of his positions on peace during the Vietnamese War. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches the art of mindful living (to be deeply aware in the present moment of what is going on within and around us). While the abuse of drugs or alcohol can be a way of running from life by trying to forget one's difficulties and challenges, mindfulness is the opposite. It improves one's ability to cope with life by teaching how to be present with whatever is going on without getting overwhelmed or disturbed by it.

The web site lists monastic retreats in various locations around the world, many in the U.S. (click on Sangha Directory in the left navigation bar), articles and books by Thich Nhat Hanh, mindfulness principles, and a directory of communities that regularly practice mindfulness together, organized by state in the U.S. and by country internationally. Users can sign up to receive his Dharma talks by email by clicking on "Dharma Talk Transcripts" on the left navigation bar and then scrolling down the page and filling in their email address.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) (tm.org)
The site describes the TM program, its health benefits, and the extensive research that has been done on TM. An online locator is provided in order to find the closest Maharishi Vedic University, College, School or Center where the TM technique is taught or you can call toll free at 1-888-532-7686.

Wildmind Buddhist Meditation (wildmind.org)
Wildmind offers a variety of practical approaches to learning Buddhist meditation online, including written material, guided meditations in RealAudio format, and online meditation courses led by an experienced instructor. A good amount of guidance is provided overall, making the site appropriate for beginners as well as more advanced meditation practitioners.

The World Wide Online Meditation Center (meditationcenter.com)
Simple written instruction for eight different types of meditation including healing, centering, relaxation, and mindfulness meditation are provided online.

RESEARCH: Taub E, Steiner SS, Weingarten E, Walton KG. “Effectiveness of broad spectrum approaches to relapse prevention in severe alcoholism: a long-term, randomized, controlled trial of Transcendental Meditation, EMG biofeedback and electronic neurotherapy.” Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. 11(1-2): 187-220, 1994. Large improvements in relapse prevention were seen with the addition of Transcendental Meditation (TM) or EMG biofeedback to the routine treatment program in an alcohol residential treatment facility. Complete abstinence 18 months after leaving the center was reported by 65% of the TM group and 55% of the biofeedback group compared to 25% of the standard care group and 28% for the neurotherapy group.

The long-term positive effects of TM, in particular, seem to be correlated with a reduced relapse rate. TM may not only reduce tension and anxiety, but also enhance a sense of control in anxiety-provoking situations that strengthens the long-term resistance to stress.

It should also be noted that there are many ways to achieve a meditative state of mind. For those who have trouble sitting quietly for periods of time, various movement practices and martial arts, such as t’ai chi, qigong, and karate, can also focus and calm the mind and enhance feelings of self-confidence and self-worth.

SPIRITUALITY

Nurturing the spiritual aspect of life, which can include such things as music, poetry, literature, nature, or prayer, takes a person to a place above ego and day to day concerns and promotes a sense of peace and timelessness.

Addiction Alchemy (addictionalchemy.com)
Addiction Alchemy is a holistic, self-help journey for addiction recovery, based on the Medicine Wheel model. It provides a unique spiritual perspective, offering interactive recovery tools and online guidance.

Spirituality and Health (spiritualityhealth.com)
This web site was developed by the Publishing Group of Trinity Church of New York City with an advisory group of theologians, philosophers, researchers, teachers and writers. The site includes articles on spiritual issues and practice, original essays on spiritual matters, a database of over 15,000 reviews of current books, audiotapes, films and videotapes with online purchase available, a discussion forum, interactive self-tests on spirituality and health, and more.

The Sober Cafe Podcast (SoberCafePodcast.com)
The Sober Café Podcast is a weekly online show of music from artists in recovery. They also offer interviews with artists in recovery, sharing their experience, strength, hope, and some great tunes.

Sunlight Of The Spirit Music (SunlightOfTheSpirit.com)
Sunlight of the Spirit Music sells 12-step and recovery music CDs as well as Blues, Comedy, Meditation, Rock, Positive Thought and more. All CD's are exclusively from artists in recovery.

In dealing with the chemical imbalances that are both a cause of substance abuse and a result of long-term substance addiction, nutritional therapy can be helpful in several ways.

N.O.R.A. Clinic (noraa.org)
The basis of the NORA approach to addiction is the belief that brain chemical deficiencies are at the root of all addictions. Their treatment program is a ten-day intravenous drip of all natural amino acids prescribed by a doctor and administered by a registered nurse. All IV's last around five hours a day.

Nutritional supplements such as herbs, amino acids (see chart below), vitamins and other nutrients restore the proper biochemical balance in the brain. These supplements are specified, according to your addiction, in an excellent book written by Charles Gant, MD, PhD, who has helped over 7,500 patients with his innovative nutritional program designed to help people addicted to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or pain medication. The book, End Your Addiction Now: The Proven Nutritional Supplement Program That Can Set You Free by Charles Gant and Greg Lewis, published by Warner Books, 2002, can be purchased at amazon.com.

Nutrition supplements, vitamins and herbs can be purchased online through various web sites such as Whole Health Products at www.wholehealthproducts.com, Integrative Therapeutics at www.integrativeinc.com and Vitamin Shoppe at www.vitaminshoppe.com.

In addition, eliminating certain substances such as sugars and simple starches and increasing protein intake can help to rebalance brain chemistry. Good nutrition can also help heal damage to the body caused by the depletion of nutrients common in substance abuse.

Natural Highs by Hyla Cass M.D. and Patrick Holford published by Avery Books/Penguin Putnam in 2002 can be purchased at amazon.com. This book usefully reviews and gives specific doses of herbs, amino acids, nutritional supplements and foods that help a person have a sharp mind and feel happy, calm, energetic and connected to people. The main tips from this book including specific doses of herbs and amino acids can be found here.

Another helpful book which has benefited many people with its nutritional advice is Seven Weeks To Sobriety: The Proven Program to Fight Alcoholism Through Nutrition by Joan Mathew Larson Ph.D. This book can also be purchased at amazon.com.

Some people may decide to work directly with a nutritionist. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) web site at eatright.org can help you locate a nutritionist. The ADA is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Their web site provides a "Find a Dietitian" feature locating dietitians in the United States by zip code. Descriptions include areas of practice or specialty for each dietitian.

Another important area of the use of nutrition in recovery and relapse prevention is the addition of appropriate amino acids that serve as the building blocks for powerful chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, GABA, serotonin and dopamine, are closely tied to addiction behavior. With the use of various amino acids, brain chemistry can be changed to help normalize and restore deficiencies in the neurotransmitters that spur cravings that can lead to addiction and relapse.

Supplemental Ingredient	Restored Brain Chemical	Addictive Substance Abuse	Amino Acid Deficiency Symptoms	Expected Behavior Change
D-Phenylalanine or DL-Phenylalanine	Enkephalins Endorphins	Heroin, Alcohol, Marijuana, Sweets, Starches, Chocolate, Tobacco	Most Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) conditions sensitive to physical or emotional pain. Crave comfort and pleasure. Desire certain food or drugs.	Reward stimulation. Anti-craving. Mild anti-depression. Mild improved energy and focus. D-Phenylalanine promotes pain relief, increases pleasure.
L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine	Norepinephrine Dopamine	Caffeine, Speed, Cocaine, Marijuana, Aspartame, Chocolate, Alcohol, Tobacco, Sweets, Starches	Most Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) conditions. Depression, low energy. Lack of focus and concentration. Attention-deficit disorder.	Reward stimulation. Anti-craving. Anti-depression. Increased energy. Improved mental focus.
L-Tryptophan or 5 hydroxytryptophan (5HTP)	Serotonin	Sweets, Alcohol, Starch, Ecstasy, Marijuana, Chocolate, Tobacco	Low self-esteem. Obsessive/compulsive behaviors. Irritability or rage. Sleep problems. Afternoon or evening cravings. Negativity. Heat intolerance. Fibromyalgia, SAD (winter blues).	Anti-craving. Anti-depression. Anti-insomnia. Improved appetite control. Improvement in all mood and other serotonin deficiency symptoms.
GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid)	GABA	Valium, Alcohol, Marijuana, Tobacco, Sweets, Starches	Feeling of being stressed-out. Nervous. Tense muscles. Trouble relaxing.	Promotes calmness. Promotes relaxation.
L-Glutamine	GABA (mild enhancement) Fuel source for entire brain	Sweets, Starches, Alcohol	Stress. Mood swings. Hypoglycemia.	Anti-craving, anti-stress. Levels blood sugar and mood. GABA (mild enhancement). Fuel source for entire brain.
Note: To assist in amino-acid nutritional therapy, the use of a multi-vitamin/mineral formula is recommended. Many vitamins and minerals serve as co-factors in neurotransmitter synthesis. They also serve to restore general balance, vitality and well-being to the Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RSD) patient who typically is in a state of poor nutritional health (see paragraph above chart for explanation of RSD).

This chart was originally published in the following article.
Blum K, Ross J, Reuben C, Gastelu D, Miller DK. "Nutritional Gene Therapy: Natural Healing in Recovery

You can access the full article on the Counselor Magazine web site: counselormagazine.com.
1. On the homepage, click on Search the Archives
2. Choose January/February 2001
3. Click on Nutritional Gene Therapy.

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Qigong

Qigong is a traditional Chinese health practice. Qi (life energy or breath) gong (work) is a series of slow moving exercises that gather and stimulate the movement of Qi in the body. Qigong has also been called "moving meditation." Qigong is believed to have general health promoting and healing effects.

Qigong Institute (qigonginstitute.org)
The site provides a directory organized by state of Qigong teachers and therapists who are members of the Institute and briefly describes their practices. Recommended books and videos on Qigong as well as abstracts of published articles are also available.

National Qigong Association (NQA) (website unvailable)
On the Professional Member's page, practitioners who are members of NQA are listed by state. Listings often include the practitioner's own web site with their teaching schedule and further information. The web site also includes an extensive list of links on Qigong.

RESEARCH: Li M, Chen K, Mo Z. “Use of qigong therapy in the detoxification of heroin addicts.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 8(1): 50-59, 2002.

In this study conducted in China on 86 male heroin addicts undergoing detoxification, the treatment group practicing Qigong experienced less anxiety and more rapid reduction of withdrawal symptoms than the group receiving detoxification drugs alone.

The practice of qigong, through its use of movement, breath work, visualizations and meditation, may be a beneficial addition to both a detoxification regimen and to an overall treatment and relapse prevention strategy.

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Yoga is a technique that uses physical postures and controlled breathing to lengthen and strengthen the spine, increase flexibility, calm the mind, improve concentration, and promote patience. Yoga can also contribute to a greater sense of control in more acute states when experiencing cravings, insomnia, agitation, etc. Regular practice is needed to fully experience these benefits.

American Yoga Association (AYA) (www.americanyogassociation.org)
This site provides information on the different types of yoga and guidance on how to choose a qualified teacher. A 15-minute online meditation is planned.

Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A.
(himalayaninstitute.org) This site provides a useful locator for yoga practitioners through the Yoga Teachers Guide. In the “Find a Teacher” section you can specify a zip code to locate yoga classes near you. Searches can also be done by organization name, practitioner name, city or country.

Yogaclass.com (yogaclass.com)
Developed by a chiropractor, this site provides online yoga classes with guided instruction (via RealAudio and Streaming Video) including breathing, stretching, relaxation, a yoga workout and chanting.

You can also learn about a type of yoga that focuses on meditation and breath-work described in our Meditation section here.

RESEARCH: Lohman R. “Yoga techniques applicable within drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes.” Therapeutic Communities. 20(1): 61-71, 1999.

This article describes specific yoga techniques used for detoxification and rehabilitation including breath control, relaxation and meditation, postures, diet and chanting. Research results strongly suggest that yoga is a positive motivator for rehabilitation and an aid to detoxification. Yoga used in conjunction with counseling and group work appears to support and further the healing process.