Symptom Definition
Addiction results in an uncontrollable and irrepressible need to use a substance or perform certain actions. When this need is satisfied, it brings some pleasure. On the contrary, when it is not, it creates a feeling of want (craving), the consequences of which can be more or less important depending on the level of addiction the person is experiencing. While addiction is often associated with the use of psychoactive substances (alcohol, drugs, medicines, tobacco and others), other forms of behavioural addiction can also be observed:
- Gambling and money
- Sports activity
- Sexual activity
- Technology (mobile phones, social networks, etc.)
- Consumerism (compulsive shopping, accumulation of objects, etc.)
- Food addiction
- Affective dependence
Causes to be evaluated
Addiction occurs when the reward circuit is disrupted. But what is this reward circuit? When we perform a pleasurable task, one of the things the brain produces is Dopamine. Dopamine is one of the molecules responsible for pleasure, hence its nickname 'the pleasure molecule'. This molecule is a neurotransmitter secreted by the body when certain actions are performed: it is the reward circuit. The primary function of this reward circuit is to promote behaviours necessary for the survival of the species: drinking, eating, reproducing... it is the reward. The pleasure derived from these activities therefore drives the individual to renew the experience and thus ensure survival. These vital functions are not the only ones that cause us to produce dopamine. It can be released, for example, when we listen to music, play sport or engage in any of the activities mentioned above (gambling, compulsive shopping, etc.).
Dopamine deficiency:
- A Dopamine deficit, on the other hand, is induced in the case of addiction to pleasure and sensation, as in the case of social alcoholism, the cigar smoker, the professional gourmet who enjoys eating, the gambler (sensation-seeker), the extreme athlete, the sociopath addicted to violence and deviance.
- There can also be morning and night addictions (coffee, tobacco, pathological gambling, sexual addiction, etc.).
Serotonin deficiency:
- Serotonin deficiency is more likely to result in compulsive addiction, characterised by drinking alcohol and/or smoking cigarettes at all times, bulimic behaviour (need to fill the stomach), the presence of a sugar compulsion, the idea of compulsive gambling and/or sports addiction.
- There may also be nocturnal addictions (chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, computers, video games, etc.).
Naturopathic Protocol
In addition to the psycho-emotional aspect, it is necessary to adopt a hygienic lifestyle, as advocated by naturopathy. It is essential to revitalise the body and, at the same time, to carry out psychotherapeutic work in order to free oneself emotionally, to regain self-confidence and independence.
🌿 Phytotherapy
Alcohol dependence
- 2 capsules (500 mg dose), 3 times daily
- Take between meals as needed (no long-term contraindications)
Tobacco, alcohol and drug dependence
- 300 mg, 2 times a day
- Duration: 3 months
- Caution: avoid if on immunosuppressive treatment
Coffee addiction
Oak:
- To make a good sweet acorn coffee, it is estimated that 15 grams of powder is needed per cup.
Coffee substitutes:
🌸 Flower Essences
- Chestnut bud: for those trapped in repetitive patterns
- Walnut: helps to release old patterns associated with the past
- Asian bleeding-heart: associated with emotional addictions
- Morning Glory: people with stressful lifestyles, addictions to stimulants (alcohol, tobacco, sugar, chocolate)
- Tabacum: helps with awareness of addiction and helps with detoxification.
- Take 7 drops twice daily for 20 days.
🧘♂️ Manual Techniques
- Self-hypnosis: 1 to 3 sessions of hypnosis can stop the addiction.