Natural Remedies to Combat Addiction

Humans have grappled with addiction for centuries, with written descriptions of addiction dating back as early as the 17th century. As the implications and negative consequences of addiction became more clear, treatments were developed to help addicts regain control of their lives.  Historically, these treatments have included natural remedies as well as medical interventions that sometimes include synthetic medication as part of the treatment.  As the founder of Serenity Recovery, Per Wickstrom knows the dangers of treating addictions with addictive medicines, so he always opts for natural remedies.

Per has developed a list of favorite natural remedies that he uses at his treatment facilities and has experienced a lot of success treating addiction. Below are just a few of the many treatments he uses, but you will see that there are viable addiction treatments that do not include highly addictive medications.

Meditation

Meditation and guided imagery are completely natural and non-invasive.  If you ‘think yourself into a new reality’, with meditation and positive affirmations to see yourself as drug-free, then your vision becomes reality. Serenity Recovery offers some highly successful techniques that utilize meditation and visualization.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most natural remedies available to us. The Chinese, who developed acupuncture centuries ago, have found points on the body that stimulate the nerves that can reduce cravings and other negative symptoms of withdrawal. In the East, where it is widely practiced, acupuncture practitioners have successfully treated opium addiction for many years without the aid of withdrawal drugs such as methadone and suboxone.

Yoga and Deep Breathing Techniques

The slow and methodical exercises of Yoga have been used to successfully treat addiction for centuries. Practitioners of Yoga can learn to focus their thoughts and many biological functions through movements choreographed to balance the various Chakra centers within the body. The balance of the seven Chakra centers is vital for the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the individual, so Yoga focuses on the center that needs to be adjusted to bring the person back into balance.

Herbal Remedies

There are more than 100 herbs currently used to combat addiction and to hasten the withdrawal process or make it easier. These herbs can be used individually, brewed in teas, cooked in combination in foods, or simply sprinkled on salads. You can also grind them down into a fine powder and put them into gelatin capsules to take orally without the need to ‘taste’ any herbs that might be bitter or pungent. From chamomile to valerian root tea, there are a large variety of herbal remedies available to help alleviate the severity of withdrawal symptoms, making synthetic medications unnecessary.

Per Wickstrom does advise those with active addictions always to seek medical help before starting treatment. There are many factors involved in addiction and it is imperative that any treatment be overseen by a qualified medical professional.

The sudden cessation of an addictive drug can send the body into convulsions and tremors that can be life threatening. This is why all addicts must be examined by a medical doctor before beginning any ‘treatment.’

Upon being given a medical clearance to begin detox and recovery, Per’s staff will start a treatment program of natural remedies that are safe for the addict in his or her current physical state of health.