Addictions are difficult to conquer. Over time, the addictive substance becomes part of the body’s chemistry. When the addictive substance is not available, painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can occur. Any substance can become addictive, even food. Patients removing allergenic foods such as wheat and corn from their diets exhibited cravings for these foods. Some practitioners believe that addictions result from the body’s search for missing nutrients. Addictive substances replace these necessary nutrients.

Quitting the addictive substance is the first step in fighting addiction. Next, you must manage the withdrawal symptoms. These can include dizziness, headaches, nervousness, irritability, and aches and pains. These symptoms can be managed by reducing the body’s alkalinity. High fibre, alkaline-rich foods can reduce cravings for sugar and nicotine, while magnesium-rich foods like figs and wheat germ may ease withdrawal symptoms. Avoid acid forming foods such as meat, dairy, and simple sugar. Since alcohol depletes Vitamin B levels, adding Vitamin B supplements can ease cravings. Vitamins C and E are antioxidant vitamins which help fight molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage. Essential fatty acids found in flaxseed, evening primrose and fish oil rebuild cell membranes damaged by drugs.

Herbal medicine can cleanse and protect the liver, the body’s main detoxifier. Milk thistle, echinacea, and licorice root all act as blood and liver detoxifiers. Other herbs, like calamus root and venastiva, may wean patients off smoking and drugs. Acupuncture and auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) have been used to treat withdrawal symptoms from cocaine, crack, and other addictions. For tobacco addiction, consider including oats in your diet. Oats have been used to treat opium addiction and can reduce the desire for tobacco. It is extremely important to have adequate nutritional, psychological, and emotional support when fighting an addiction.

Essential fatty acids can rebuild cells damaged by drugs and alcohol.