Over the years, I’ve been addicted to various substances. It was only natural for me to seek fast relief while my brain was malfunctioning and I was suffering from mental illness. Until I could find better, long-term, sustainable answers, I had to rely on substances outside my body – even if they weren’t beneficial for me. I set out to learn as much as I can about nutrients to help overcome addiction, and between research studies and feedback from recovering addicts, I attempted to put together this list to help others.
At the time, I honestly felt that I didn’t have any other options. And I’m sure there are a lot of other folks out there who are dealing with the same issue. You might feel as if you require something to help you get through the day. Then there’s something more to do to get to sleep at night.
It could be alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, or more potent drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines. Perhaps you’re using antidepressants or benzodiazepines on a prescription basis. You may have no idea how you would survive without them.
You can do it, and I’m here to tell you that you can.
The Best Nutrients To Overcome Addiction
The inpatient drug detoxification programs in New Jersey incorporate many nutrients in their patients’ diet, which helps them get back on their feet faster. Let’s find out all about those nutritional supplements here:
1. Theanine
Tea contains the amino acid theanine, which is a soothing amino acid. It has a variety of cognitive and mental health advantages.
It has been shown to have a calming impact on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and enhancing GABA and dopamine synthesis in the brain. It does not produce sleepiness or drowsiness, unlike prescription anti-anxiety medications.
As I previously stated, theanine can protect your brain from the effects of alcohol, raise brain development hormone, and reduce stress hormones.
Given all of this, it’s no surprise that it contains anti-addictive effects and can aid in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms.
It’s especially beneficial when it comes to nicotine and narcotic withdrawal.
Theanine enhances my mood, helps me focus, and eliminates the jitters I get from my morning coffee. It’s like taking a pill of meditation.
Too much theanine, on the other hand, can make people uneasy. This is because theanine raises alpha brain waves, and I discovered that having too many alpha brain waves might produce anxiety.
2. Citicoline
The most bioavailable form of choline is citicoline.
Choline is an essential B vitamin that most people don’t get enough of because it’s included in so few foods in the Western diet. That is why I advocate using it as a supplement.
Citicoline contains anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and increases the synthesis of acetylcholine and dopamine, two neurotransmitters important for brain function. It also boosts the number of dopamine and acetylcholine receptors in your brain.
Overall, citicoline is one of my favorite supplements for improved mental health and brain function. Furthermore, there is evidence that it aids in reducing drug addiction. Using this as one of your primary nutrients to help overcome addiction is proven to help based on studies.
In one study, cocaine addicts who took 500mg of citicoline twice a day for two weeks saw a reduction in their appetites for the drug.
Citicoline supplementation reduced cocaine usage in people with cocaine addiction and bipolar disorder. In addition, the subjects were instructed not to consume cocaine during the study, and the researchers found less cocaine in their urine at the conclusion.
3. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
The amino acid carnitine is acetylated to generate Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR).
It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, and it can strengthen your mitochondria, protect your brain from alcohol, and help you overcome brain fog, as I’ve previously mentioned.
It can also help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
In one study, alcoholics given ALCAR could stay sober for longer periods because it reduced their cravings.
ALCAR can also aid in the treatment of opiate addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
During a 3-week detoxification period, thirty methadone-dependent patients were given 2 grams of ALCAR daily, which reduced their pain and length of withdrawal.
ALCAR has also been shown in rats to greatly reduce alcohol consumption and the onset of tremors during alcohol withdrawal. Therefore, it should be explored in the treatment of alcoholism.
ALCAR provides me with a significant increase in mental energy and resilience. It has a similar effect to drinking a cup of coffee, so it’s useful if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are mostly present in fish and are required for normal brain and nervous system function.
They have been found to benefit mood, sleep, learning, and memory by supporting mitochondria and increasing brain growth hormones. They also help prevent mental illnesses such as depression, moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that omega-3 fatty acids can aid addicts and lessen withdrawal symptoms.
Increased anxiety is one of the critical reasons substance abusers and alcoholics relapse.
In one study, substance abusers who were given omega-3 fatty acids experienced a considerable reduction in anxiety. Researchers have also looked into the relapse rates of cocaine addicts who have completed a detoxification program. They also discovered that relapsed cocaine users have much lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than non-relapsed addicts.
5. Vitamin D
When our skin is exposed to the sun, it produces vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D receptors can be found in every part of your body, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system.
This means that it is required for the efficient functioning of your complete body, and a lack of it can result in severe physiological and psychological effects, including addiction.
Chronic vitamin D insufficiency, according to researchers, is an environmental component that contributes to drug usage. Therefore, supplementation should also be explored for effective drug misuse and addiction treatment.
Vitamin D protects against methamphetamine’s depletion of dopamine.
In addition, there is a link between vitamin D insufficiency and the severity of alcoholism.
Patients who are administered narcotic pain relievers such as morphine, fentanyl, or oxycodone must take greater doses if they are vitamin D deficient.
Get Healthy!!!
Once you find out which nutrients can help you become better in your addiction recovery, you can apply them to your daily diet intake. Combining a solid nutrition routine and adding exercise to your lifestyle 3 to 4 days a week can help your body stay strong and focused to complete the task at hand.
After a week, you will witness changes in your behavior, and if you continue the diet and add some exercise, you will soon be back on track. Using these nutrients to help overcome addiction is just a piece of the greater recovery plan, but it should not be simply dismissed.
So, if you want more details on them, reach us in the comment box below. We will be happy to help you.
Tags: addiction, addiction recovery, health, recovery, substance abuse, Supplements
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