Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Nutrition For Recovering Meth Addicts: Part 1



In dealing with the chemical imbalances that can be a cause of meth abuse and a result of long-term meth addiction, nutrition for recovering meth addicts is very important in the recovery process.

Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins and Herbs

Nutritional supplements such as herbs, amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients restore the proper biochemical balance in the brain. As well, eliminating certain substances such as sugars and simple starches and increasing protein intake can help to rebalance brain chemistry for the recovering meth addict. Good nutrition can also help heal the damage caused to the body by the depletion of nutrients common in substance abuse.

Meth addiction and prolonged meth use and abuse damages neurotransmitters in the brain. So an important area of the use of nutrition in recovery and relapse prevention is the addition of appropriate amino acids. The neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, GABA, serotonin and dopamine, are indicated in addictive behavior.

Using various amino acids, the brain chemistry can be changed to help normalize and restore deficiencies in the neurotransmitters that spur cravings that can lead to meth addiction and abuse.

Amino acid nutrition therapy for meth addicts:

The use of L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine is useful in the nutrition for recovering meth addicts by restoring the brain chemicals Norepinephrine and Dopamine.

These amino acids can counteract the symptoms of depression, low energy, lack of focus and concentration. The expected behavior changes when restoring these depleted amino acids are: Anti-craving. Anti-depression. Increased energy. Improved mental focus.

To increase the effects of amino-acid nutritional therapy, the use of a multi-vitamin/mineral formula is recommended. Many vitamins and minerals serve as co-factors in repairing neurotransmitters. They also serve to restore general balance, vitality and well-being to a recovering meth addict who typically is in a state of poor nutritional health.

Some recovering meth addicts may decide to work directly with a nutritionist. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) web site can help you locate a nutritionist for your area.

A more in depth look at the foods, herbs and nutrients for the proper nutrition for the recovering meth addict will be examined in later parts of this series.

5 comments:

  1. i have been a meth addict for 10 years and im only 26 years old. my body hurts and pops my teeth are decaying. ive been clean since the end of february and i have had depression issues. no energy. so your saying by taking these on a regular basis might help improve my mood swings?

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    1. Please see my comment below. And on another note... remember... if you are clean or trying to get clean... Never give up, take it day by day, and know that it takes a while for the effects of meth to ease up in your body. I wish you all the luck and love in the world. Keep your head up and take it minute by minute if you have to.

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    2. I am not a specialist or a doctor. Was reading this site to help a friend. But I wanted to direct you to the site www.doctoryourself.com there are numerous articles on orthomolecular treatment of many ailments. Read the sections on alcoholism and vitamins B, as well as Niacin and mental disorders. It looks like the neurotransmitters that have to be restored in your case are the same as in the cases of alcoholism and schizophrenia (please, no offense, the later illness has been misrepresented and mistreated for years as well). Alcoholics Anonymous have adopted the recommended nutritional therapy from this orthomolecular site with great success.
      Good luck on your journey to excellent health!

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  2. Hi... the research indicates that this will help. HOWEVER... Please check with your doctor first as i am not a doctor.

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  3. Hi I helped my Fiance finally get off this horrible Drug, With the Use of Amino Acids it certainly helped, it is important to note to keep up a reduced regimen of these long after you are free of Meth, the Brain takes a long time to recover, and Aminos most certainly help along with a good support network

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