Ditch Addictions pt .2

In a previous blog, I promoted an unconventional approach to working with addiction. That approach being, just saying no. I have many years of experience with many different approaches to addiction and recovery, and in my opinion, this is the simplest and most effective. The addiction treatment space can get very complex and confusing with so many contradictory schools of thought. It’s analogous to five blind men trying to describe an elephant whilst each is touching a different part of the elephant’s body.

Debating the different theories of addiction and its treatment has little tangible benefit for the individual suffering the consequences of their addictive behaviour. I’m less concerned with which theory is right and far more interested in what works. The “just say no” approach I advocate for, works for a certain subset of the population who embrace personal responsibility and who are self-motivated. However, there are certain subsets of the population who this will not be as effective for. 

I’ve worked with many people in my clinical practice who’ve struggled with addiction and the devastating consequences of their subsequent behaviour. Some have achieved sobriety through the 12 step programs promoted by AA and affiliated organisations. Others have used psychotherapy or hypnosis to recover. Then there are those who’ve tried conventional ways without success and turned to more archaic methods such as indigenous plant medicines.

Clients have shared success stories about dealing with their addiction through using Psilocybin mushrooms, Ayahuasca, Peyote and Tabernanthe Iboga. These plant medicines, however, are not legal to use in many countries and often require an overseas trip to access. These medicines are also not without risk. But then it’s important to consider that people with substance misuse disorders are often engaging in high-risk behaviours, and are in some cases even more likely to come to harm from their habit than through safely facilitated, plant medicine treatment. Where legal, I do advocate for using indigenous plant medicines to treat addiction, when other methods have failed. They can be life saving.

There are other supportive strategies to deal with addiction and help people stay sober. Of particular interest is the co-enzyme NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. This compound can be administered safely as an intravenous infusion and has a positive effect on reducing many types of cravings. Our bodies are making NAD all the time from vitamin B3 or niacin, but as we age our levels become sub-optimal. Replenishing NAD via intravenous infusion or taking oral capsules of the precursor NMN, can help many deal effectively with cravings.

In my personal experience with NAD, I received a monthly infusion over a period of 15 months. Apart from noticing having more physical energy and mental clarity, I noticed my cravings for certain things diminished to the point where I no longer drink alcohol or coffee. Prior to the NAD support I was unable to resist the cravings at times.

If you’re struggling with addictions, you’re not alone. There are tried and effective ways to beat addictive behaviours. As always, the first step is accepting that the addictive behaviours have become problematic and that we are not in control of them. This can be a humbling experience for many, but also the beginning of a life of freedom from addiction.

All addictions are not the same, and ditching certain addictions can be unsafe if not done with proper medical supervision. So before you decide to quit any addictive behaviours please make sure it is safe to do so. Consult with a medical professional.

The two substance addictions that are the most unsafe to quit cold turkey without medical supervision are alcohol and benzodiazepines (a class of sedatives). Both of these substance -use-disorders require the individual to be carefully weaned off the substance using a dose reduction regime under supervision of a health professional. Rapid detox from these two substances can result in withdrawal seizures and potentially have fatal outcomes.

If your addiction is to alcohol or Valium-like sedatives, then the just say no approach may not be for you, until you’ve successfully completed a medically supervised detox program. Once you’re in the rehabilitation and recovery phase of your treatment, then you’ll need to learn strategies to prevent you from relapsing. I only advocate for the just say no approach to ditching addictions when it’s safe to do so.

For more on how just saying no can be implemented as a relapse prevention strategy, please read my earlier blog, The power of no.