Drug Abuse
Description
Drugs are used for one of two reasons: to treat a mental or physical disorder, or for their pleasurable effects. Drug abuse is subject to personal interpretation. Drug addiction is often considered the same condition, but is further defined by the physical and/or psychological need for any drug or chemical substance.
Addiction varies considerably, depending on the drug and the individual. There are three general categories of addicting drugs: mild, soft, and hard.
Mild drugs include caffeine and codeine; they are usually the least addicting.
Soft drugs include marijuana and cocaine; these may produce a detrimental addiction.
Hard drugs lead to severe addiction. These are characterized by the fact they must be taken in increasing doses to maintain the original effects and to keep the user from an emotional and physical breakdown. A tolerance is built up to these drugs.
When withdrawal symptoms occur, unpleasant physical and psychological problems result. Withdrawal is best done with medical supervision, as it can lead to death.
Drug abuse can increase susceptibilities to such diseases as infectious endocarditis, depression, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - AIDS (caused by use of improperly sterilized needles), amenorrhea, diseases related to sexual dysfunction, diseases related to errors in fetal development, diseases related to DNA mutations, bone disorders, liver disorders and tetany.
Addicts are unlikely to seek help, and outside intervention is usually needed. In all cases, the professional advice of a physician or drug counseling center should be sought.
Causes
1. Emotional problems (although this may be a symptom of the addiction rather than the cause)
2. Prescribed drugs for treatment
3. Personal pleasure
Signs & Symptoms
Each drug may manifest itself in a different way. Some common symptoms of drug abuse are:
Deterioration of work standards
Deterioration of personal relations
Erratic behavior
Mood changes
Restlessness
Irritability
Drowsiness
Anorexia
Excessive fatigue
Slurred speech
Increased time away from home
Individual is always "out of money"
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Nutrients for Brain Support &
Detoxification
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| B-Complex | hi-potency | n/a |
| Glutamic acid | 500 - 1,000 mg | n/a |
| L-acidophilus* | ||
| Magnesium | 400 - 600 mg | n/a |
| Tyrosine | 500 - 1,000 mg | n/a |
| Vitamin B-3 | 100 - 1,000 mg | n/a |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | n/a |
| Zinc | 20 - 50 mg | n/a |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Discussion:-
There are various forms of drug abuse and drug interactions, ranging from alcohol and cigarettes to antibiotics and prescription drugs, besides the "hard" street drugs like heroin.
Antibiotics tend to kill off many beneficial intestinal flora, as well as the infection. Most forms of abuse, or addiction, are accompanied by malnutrition. In such cases, L-acidophilus can help to restore beneficial flora.
Drug abuse also strains the liver, which attempts to detoxify the system. Hence, nutritional support with milk thistle (silymarin) is helpful.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Most drugs decrease the appetite. Food intake, and hence the ingestion of calories, may consequently be reduced to inadequate levels. The calories which are ingested are usually nutrient-deficient.
One study showed all addicts suffered from malnutrition. Diets were high in carbohydrates due to the addict's sweet tooth, generally poor in vitamin A, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-Complex.
Nutritional management starts once an addict is admitted to a half-way house or clinic. A Dietary Goals Diet with the appropriate vitamin supplements is recommended. The nutritional needs of an addict are altered by the presence of concomitant health conditions such as:
| Alcoholism | Hepatitis |
| Hypertension | Infection |
| Cirrhosis |
Homeopathic Remedy
Alcoholism or overuse of stimulants:
Nux vomica
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
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Dandelion root
Siberian ginseng
Valerian
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Dandelion root may help flush out toxins, while leaving electrolyte levels unimpaired (or even improved).
Siberian ginseng has been recommended, specifically for cocaine abuse.
Valerian is usually combined with the amino acid tyrosine, for best results with cocaine abuse.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Essential oils have been divided into two groups, each having a particular role with problems of drug abuse and addiction:
Calming:
| Orange Essence, | Patchouli Essence, |
| Tangerine Essence, | Ylang-Ylang Essence. |
Depression:
| Bergamot Essence, | Chamomile Essence, |
| Geranium Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Patchouli Essence, | Rose Essence, |
| Sandalwood Essence, | Ylang-Ylang Essence. |
Healing:
| Chamomile Essence, | Fennel Essence, |
| Geranium Essence. |
Immune system:
| Chamomile Essence, | Lemon Essence, |
| Thyme Essence. |
Insomnia:
| Chamomile Essence, | Marjoram Essence, |
| Rose Essence, | Ylang-Ylang Essence. |
Irritability:
| Chamomile Essence, | Cypress Essence, |
| Lavender Essence, | Thyme Essence. |
Nervous tension:
| Basil Essence, | Mandarin Essence, |
| Marjoram Essence, | Neroli Essence, |
| Rose Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
| AIDS | Alcoholism |
| Amenorrhea | Bone disorders |
| Diseases of DNA mutation | Emotional disorders |
| Fatigue | Fetal diseases |
| Infection | Liver disorders |
| Sexual dysfunction | Tetany |
References
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Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
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