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Addiction
Addiction refers to the habitual and constant use of a drug or substance despite harm or negative effects. Other non-substance addictions are called Behavioral Addictions and may include Food addiction, Sex addition, addiction to playing games or shopping etc.
As in modern times, addiction has long been an issue in many cultures, and as with today, many of the most used addictive substances are or have been medicines.
Symptoms maybe include ignoring normal healthy routines such as eating and sleep, behavioral changes, mood swings, erratic behavior etc. Manifestations vary depending on the substance of addiction.
Major substances of addiction:
Primary methods of Treatment
Treatment again depends on the drug. In general, removal from factors that support the addiction, such as friends, environment, social habits etc.
In most cases a substance can be stopped and treatment can be given to treat the withdrawal symptoms which may be over days or weeks. Counseling, psychotherapy, exercise, meditation, hypnotherapy are all useful interventions.
In Traditional medicine, various treatments have been used for addiction. In Traditional texts, Opium addiction was most commonly recognised, and certain herbs were viewed as effective to either help break the addiction, or to recover health following addiction.
Herbs for addiction
Herbs used for addiction may either have a direct effect against the drug or substance, or else may work to calm the mind and spirit to settle the effects of withdrawal. Some drugs are Opiate antagonists, for example. Also worthy of mention are the Exhilarative medicines of the Western tradition. These medicines naturally promote a sense of wellbeing and can therefore be very useful in addiction withdrawal.
To help against Addiction
Balm, Corydalus Yan Hu Suo, Ginseng, Kava, Nux Vomica, Saffron, St. Johns wort, Withania, Valerian
Opium / Opiates
Asafetida, Avena, Barberry, Cannabis, Corydalus Yan Hu Suo, Cotton seed, Datura, Delphinium denudatum, Doronicum, Feverfew, Gelsemium, Ginseng, Gymnema, Kava, Mexican Poppy, Oregano, Red Poppy, Rose, Rosemary, Silybum, Squill, St. John's wort, Water Plantain (Ze Xie)
1. Doronicum: for those who have ‘taken too much Opium’. (Schroder)
2. Squill for ‘imprudent use of Opium’. (Culpeper)
3. Water Plantain: for 'such as have drank Opium’. (Dioscorides)
4. Feverfew: ‘Special remedy against the overuse of Opium’ (Culpeper)
Alcohol
Dandelion, Gelsemium, Gymnema, Ginseng, Kava, Licorice, Milk Thistle, Pueraiae Ge Gen, Salvia miltiorrhiza Dan Shen, Scutellaria Huang Qin. St. John's wort
Cocaine
Kava
Benzodiazepines
Corydalus Yan Hu Suo, Valerian
Amphetamines
Kava, Passion flower, Uncaria Gou Teng, Valerian
Tobacco
Avena, Coltsfoot, Kava, St. John's wort
1. Corydalis Yan Hu Suo helps prevent relapse into chronic drug dependence.
2. Cayenne pepper has been shown to mitigate withdrawal
3. Calamus is regarded as useful for the harmful effects of narcotic use on the brain and nervous system.
Other Treatment:
1. Acupuncture has shown benefit in Opium / Opiate withdrawal, but had poor efficacy against alcohol and tobacco addiction.
2. The Ear acupoint "Shen Men" (Spirit Gate) is effective to relieve mild symptoms of withdrawal, and the associated anxiety and insomnia.
3. Purging can be useful in those with excess / Heat-type constitution.
As in modern times, addiction has long been an issue in many cultures, and as with today, many of the most used addictive substances are or have been medicines.
Symptoms maybe include ignoring normal healthy routines such as eating and sleep, behavioral changes, mood swings, erratic behavior etc. Manifestations vary depending on the substance of addiction.
Major substances of addiction:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Opiates (Morphine, Methodone, Heroin, Fentanyl, Opium etc.)
- Betel nut
- Cocaine
- Amphetamine, Methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
Primary methods of Treatment
Treatment again depends on the drug. In general, removal from factors that support the addiction, such as friends, environment, social habits etc.
In most cases a substance can be stopped and treatment can be given to treat the withdrawal symptoms which may be over days or weeks. Counseling, psychotherapy, exercise, meditation, hypnotherapy are all useful interventions.
In Traditional medicine, various treatments have been used for addiction. In Traditional texts, Opium addiction was most commonly recognised, and certain herbs were viewed as effective to either help break the addiction, or to recover health following addiction.
Herbs for addiction
Herbs used for addiction may either have a direct effect against the drug or substance, or else may work to calm the mind and spirit to settle the effects of withdrawal. Some drugs are Opiate antagonists, for example. Also worthy of mention are the Exhilarative medicines of the Western tradition. These medicines naturally promote a sense of wellbeing and can therefore be very useful in addiction withdrawal.
To help against Addiction
Balm, Corydalus Yan Hu Suo, Ginseng, Kava, Nux Vomica, Saffron, St. Johns wort, Withania, Valerian
Opium / Opiates
Asafetida, Avena, Barberry, Cannabis, Corydalus Yan Hu Suo, Cotton seed, Datura, Delphinium denudatum, Doronicum, Feverfew, Gelsemium, Ginseng, Gymnema, Kava, Mexican Poppy, Oregano, Red Poppy, Rose, Rosemary, Silybum, Squill, St. John's wort, Water Plantain (Ze Xie)
1. Doronicum: for those who have ‘taken too much Opium’. (Schroder)
2. Squill for ‘imprudent use of Opium’. (Culpeper)
3. Water Plantain: for 'such as have drank Opium’. (Dioscorides)
4. Feverfew: ‘Special remedy against the overuse of Opium’ (Culpeper)
Alcohol
Dandelion, Gelsemium, Gymnema, Ginseng, Kava, Licorice, Milk Thistle, Pueraiae Ge Gen, Salvia miltiorrhiza Dan Shen, Scutellaria Huang Qin. St. John's wort
Cocaine
Kava
Benzodiazepines
Corydalus Yan Hu Suo, Valerian
Amphetamines
Kava, Passion flower, Uncaria Gou Teng, Valerian
Tobacco
Avena, Coltsfoot, Kava, St. John's wort
1. Corydalis Yan Hu Suo helps prevent relapse into chronic drug dependence.
2. Cayenne pepper has been shown to mitigate withdrawal
3. Calamus is regarded as useful for the harmful effects of narcotic use on the brain and nervous system.
Other Treatment:
1. Acupuncture has shown benefit in Opium / Opiate withdrawal, but had poor efficacy against alcohol and tobacco addiction.
2. The Ear acupoint "Shen Men" (Spirit Gate) is effective to relieve mild symptoms of withdrawal, and the associated anxiety and insomnia.
3. Purging can be useful in those with excess / Heat-type constitution.
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Western Tradition
Simples–General
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Chinese Classification
Simples
Formulas
Liver Heat Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (as a powder) Spleen Deficiency Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Gui Pi Tang Insomnia, Restlessness (Heart Deficiency) Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan Emotional, Anxious (Liver Qi Stagnation) Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San |
Special Formula
Opium habit
Bayberry root-bark 16 parts
Ginger 8 parts
Capsicum 1 parts
Powder, mix. This is said to have been effective.
General for Addiction and Withdrawal
i. St. Johns wort
Balm
Wormwood
Calamus
Cyperus rotundus
Orange peel
Prepare an infusion from equal parts and drink throughout the day.
For Liver Heat
i. Gentian
Camomile
Balm
Prepare an Infusion
ii. Gentian
Coptis
Gardenia Zhi Zi
Rhubarb, equal parts
Prepare a powder, take half teaspoon once or twice daily, morning and/or night.
Withdrawal with Anxiety and Sleeplessness
i. Camomile
Balm
Valerian
Rose, equal parts
Prepare an Infusion.
ii. Aloeswood
Indian Spikenard
Calamus
Frankincense
Nutmeg, equal parts
Prepare a powder. Take 1–2 grams, 2–3 times daily.
Stronger to Calm the Mind and Spirit
Rose 3 parts
Sandalwood
Pearl
Amber 1 part ea.
Powder. Take 2 grams three times daily for several days.
Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
i. Silkworm Cocoon
Ginseng
Calamus
Pearl
ii. Rose
Sandalwood
Cinnamon
Saffron
Amber
Red Coral
Purge for Excess Heat, Anger, Irritation
i. Rhubarb 5 grams
Indian Spikenard
Rose 3 grams ea.
Mastic
Nutmeg 1 gram ea.
ii. Aloe 5 grams
Gentian 4 grams
Rose 3 grams
Mastic 2 grams
Licorice 1 gram
Depression, Melancholy, Dark thoughts
Aloe 10 grams
Senna
Black Myrobalan 5 grams ea.
Lapis Lazuli, prep. 2.5 grams
Mastic
Saffron 1 gram
Form pills the size of a Pea. Take one each night for 5 days.
Opiate / Heroin addiction
i. Poppy seed tea can be used to take the "edge off". Many people have found this useful in recent years. Washed Poppy seed can be used which has much lower opiate levels. Unwashed Poppy seed can be used initially, slowly progressing to washed Poppy seed.
ii. Barberry bark
Feverfew
Corydalis Yan Hu Suo equal parts
Powder. Take half teaspoon every hour until 5 or 6 doses, then 3 or more times daily.
iii. Kava
California Poppy
Agnus Castus
Vervain
Avena sativa
(a formula of Donna Odierna from H.E.A.L.T.H. needle exchange in Oakland, California)
Bayberry root-bark 16 parts
Ginger 8 parts
Capsicum 1 parts
Powder, mix. This is said to have been effective.
General for Addiction and Withdrawal
i. St. Johns wort
Balm
Wormwood
Calamus
Cyperus rotundus
Orange peel
Prepare an infusion from equal parts and drink throughout the day.
For Liver Heat
i. Gentian
Camomile
Balm
Prepare an Infusion
ii. Gentian
Coptis
Gardenia Zhi Zi
Rhubarb, equal parts
Prepare a powder, take half teaspoon once or twice daily, morning and/or night.
Withdrawal with Anxiety and Sleeplessness
i. Camomile
Balm
Valerian
Rose, equal parts
Prepare an Infusion.
ii. Aloeswood
Indian Spikenard
Calamus
Frankincense
Nutmeg, equal parts
Prepare a powder. Take 1–2 grams, 2–3 times daily.
Stronger to Calm the Mind and Spirit
Rose 3 parts
Sandalwood
Pearl
Amber 1 part ea.
Powder. Take 2 grams three times daily for several days.
Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
i. Silkworm Cocoon
Ginseng
Calamus
Pearl
ii. Rose
Sandalwood
Cinnamon
Saffron
Amber
Red Coral
Purge for Excess Heat, Anger, Irritation
i. Rhubarb 5 grams
Indian Spikenard
Rose 3 grams ea.
Mastic
Nutmeg 1 gram ea.
ii. Aloe 5 grams
Gentian 4 grams
Rose 3 grams
Mastic 2 grams
Licorice 1 gram
Depression, Melancholy, Dark thoughts
Aloe 10 grams
Senna
Black Myrobalan 5 grams ea.
Lapis Lazuli, prep. 2.5 grams
Mastic
Saffron 1 gram
Form pills the size of a Pea. Take one each night for 5 days.
Opiate / Heroin addiction
i. Poppy seed tea can be used to take the "edge off". Many people have found this useful in recent years. Washed Poppy seed can be used which has much lower opiate levels. Unwashed Poppy seed can be used initially, slowly progressing to washed Poppy seed.
ii. Barberry bark
Feverfew
Corydalis Yan Hu Suo equal parts
Powder. Take half teaspoon every hour until 5 or 6 doses, then 3 or more times daily.
iii. Kava
California Poppy
Agnus Castus
Vervain
Avena sativa
(a formula of Donna Odierna from H.E.A.L.T.H. needle exchange in Oakland, California)
Research
–Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine in the treatment of opioid-dependence: a review
Asafetida
–Effect of the methanolic extracts of different parts of Ferula assa-foetida on naloxone-induced withdrawal behavior in morphine-dependent mice
Berberis
–The effects of Berberis vulgaris L. root extract on the opiate withdrawal syndrome and psychological factors: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.
Corydalis Yan Hu Suo
–The Extract of Corydalis yanhusuo Prevents Morphine Tolerance and Dependence.
–Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Drug Addiction.
–[Study on acting mechanism of anti-morphine conditioned place preference between aqueous extract of Corydalis yanhusuo and L-THP and comparison of their effects].
Silybum, Milk Thistle
–Influence of Silybum Marianum on Morphine Addicted Rats, Biochemical Parameters and Molecular Simulation Studies on µ-Opioid Receptor.
Shilajit
–Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine in the treatment of opioid-dependence: a review.
Asafetida
–Effect of the methanolic extracts of different parts of Ferula assa-foetida on naloxone-induced withdrawal behavior in morphine-dependent mice
Berberis
–The effects of Berberis vulgaris L. root extract on the opiate withdrawal syndrome and psychological factors: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.
Corydalis Yan Hu Suo
–The Extract of Corydalis yanhusuo Prevents Morphine Tolerance and Dependence.
–Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Drug Addiction.
–[Study on acting mechanism of anti-morphine conditioned place preference between aqueous extract of Corydalis yanhusuo and L-THP and comparison of their effects].
Silybum, Milk Thistle
–Influence of Silybum Marianum on Morphine Addicted Rats, Biochemical Parameters and Molecular Simulation Studies on µ-Opioid Receptor.
Shilajit
–Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine in the treatment of opioid-dependence: a review.