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'Complementary' or 'natural' therapy is a broad term which includes a wide variety of methods that can be used in the treatment of drug and alcohol issues. These therapies include naturopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, emotional freedom technique and energetic healing (such as reiki and pranic healing). Many nutritional, herbal and homeopathic medicines can be used in treating withdrawal symptoms and in rebalancing the mind and body. Many of the symptoms of withdrawal or 'hanging out' are very similar to nutritional deficiencies. For example, not enough magnesium and vitamin B, or low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), will create symptoms of agitation, extreme mood swings, rage, sweats, pain, nightmares and hallucinations. For many, these symptoms stay for months or years after withdrawal. Nutritional medicine may help to reduce or eliminate these symptoms in a much shorter period of time, making it easier to lessen your intake of drugs. The following types of treatment have been found to help some users in their efforts to cut down or cease using alcohol or drugs, or reduce the harms associated with using. As with the treatments described above, you may need to try different types to find one (or a combination) that meets your needs at a particular time. Many of these treatments are not available through Medicare, so there is likely to be some cost involved. Always consult a qualified practitioner, as some treatments can have toxic effects if not used correctly. Several herbs have similar actions to the benzodiazepine medication (Valium) traditionally used to treat withdrawal symptoms, but are non-addictive and work to restore the nervous system. It can be useful to take these for however long is required after withdrawal, as feeling calm and peaceful is a great stepping stone to non-use. Unlike some tranquillisers, these herbal medications do not block the ability to work with underlying issues. The mind and body can be severely out of balance with drug and alcohol usage, with many nutrients lost in the body. Specific nutrients relate to different neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and replacing these nutrients can help to diminish cravings. These medicines work on a diverse range of emotions - such as rage, hate, anger and sadness - so that underlying issues of inadequacy, abuse, incest or poor self-esteem can be dealt with and lifestyle changes made. These medicines can be used alongside counselling or 12-Step programs. This process uses tapping on energetic (acupuncture points) on the face and body to reduce or eliminate cravings, emotional pain and trauma. It is an easily learnt technique that anyone can use on themselves at any time and takes only a few minutes to do. |
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