December Commentary: Addiction And Options
"I'm addicted to…." Many of us have heard this phrase and some may have even said or thought these words whether socially or in a medical setting. It may be time to consider if there is a valid concern for addiction.
Addiction is a medical condition that is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior despite it causing physical, psychological, social and/or economic harm. Examples of substance addiction include smoking, alcohol dependence, illicit drug abuse (like heroin, crack, and cocaine), and misuse of prescription medications such as opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. Examples of non-substance addiction include gambling, excessive food intake, cell phone, internet, gaming, television binge-watching, and sex.
The behavioral changes which negatively impact one's life may manifest as a decline in work or school performance, changes in personal hygiene, social withdrawal and/or personality changes, becoming defensive when asked about the possible substance or non-substance addiction, weight loss or weight gain, and/or recent financial difficulties.
The American Society of Addiction defines addiction as "a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences." So, it is important to understand that addiction is a medical condition, and, like all other medical conditions, it is necessary to seek medical attention from your health care provider to discuss the necessary steps and treatment options for an addiction, especially if there is any possibility for withdrawal symptoms during treatment. Professional help and support are available for those with addiction.
The review article, Traditional Medicine in the Treatment of Drug Addiction (abstract link below), found that "Acupuncture showed evidence for clinical efficacy and relevant neurobiological mechanisms in opiate withdrawal." It also concluded, "Traditional herbal treatments can complement pharmacotherapies for drug withdrawal and possibly relapse prevention with less expense and perhaps fewer side effects with notable exceptions."
Lin Lu, Yanli Liu, Weili Zhu, Jie Shi, Yu Liu, Walter Ling & Thomas R. Kosten (2009) Traditional Medicine in the Treatment of Drug Addiction, The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 35:1, 1-11, DOI: 10.1080/00952990802455469
This is only one evidence-based example of complementary treatment options for one type of addiction.
Various options are available for other types of addictions. So, if complementary treatment is a consideration for you, please discuss these options with your healthcare provider.