Published On: September 7, 2021|Categories: Recovery|

If you’ve ever wondered about medication vs supplements, you’ve come to the right place. While medications are commonly prescribed to help people overcome addiction, natural remedies and methods can enhance their effects. In this article we’ll look at the benefits of natural supplements and medication assisted treatment, and why a combination might be right for you.

Benefits of natural treatment options

There’s been a growing movement towards decreasing synthetic and artificial components in everything from household cleaning products to the way we approach healthcare. While medication can surely help in addiction recovery, supplementing your treatment with natural alternatives is definitely an idea to consider.

Nutritional supplements

One of the best ways to support sobriety is to make sure your body is at peak functioning. Various vitamin and mineral supplements can help with that. Below are some nutritional supplements you might want to try out and the benefits they offer.

Vitamin B: Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is a nutrient that is essential for proper functioning of all tissues. The brain specifically requires a high concentration of vitamin B. Heavy drinking can result in thiamine deficiencies because alcohol prevents sufficient absorption of thiamine according to the journal Alcohol Research & Health. In fact, thiamine deficiency occurs in up to 80 percent of those with alcoholism. Taking B vitamins can help to reverse this as you pursue recovery.

Vitamin C: The Journal of Clinical Medicine Research found that over half of individuals going through alcohol withdrawal were impacted by a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for tissue growth and repair, and for healthy neurotransmitter functioning. Taking Vitamin C supplements can help your body to heal itself during recovery.

Omega 3 fatty acids: In a meta-analysis by Current Neuropharmacology, preclinical studies showed that omega 3 fatty acids offer promising evidence for relapse prevention. Omega 3 fatty acids can also help those struggling with substance abuse to regulate emotions according to Psychiatric Research

Other natural treatments

While supplementing your diet can offer some proven benefits for recovery, there are other natural options that can give you a brighter outlook.

Exercise: According to a 2017 thesis, exercise can help those struggling with addiction as it offers improved strength, increased confidence, positive self-image, lower stress levels and greater self-efficacy. Working out can help you find internal motivation too, and that asset will carry over to your sobriety.

Sleep: A study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, states that sleep disturbances are often precursors to relapse and many who struggle with addiction also report poor sleep. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting an adequate amount of sleep can safeguard your progress toward recovery.

Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness exercises into your treatment can help you make great strides toward sobriety. The Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences found mindfulness practices to decrease reactivity, induce a calm state and improve overall treatment outcomes for those struggling with addiction.

Benefits of medication-assisted treatment

While natural remedies can assist in your recovery from drugs and alcohol, medication-assisted treatment can also help you get the freedom you’ve been searching for. Medication-assisted treatment is the use of drugs to decrease painful withdrawal symptoms. Because detox is generally the hardest part of recovery, medication can minimize discomfort and cravings for the best shot at recovery. 

There are many benefits to participating in medication-assisted treatment as you pursue recovery. The drugs prescribed to help with detox are approved and monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so you can be assured that they are safe and effective.

Using medication-assisted treatment also assures that you are receiving treatment in a licensed facility since these drugs are only distributed in regulated settings. When you are in a medication-assisted treatment program, by default you have access to other forms of help, like counseling and vocational assistance.

Moreover, receiving medication-assisted treatment in a facility ensures that you are connected to continuing services. Long-term recovery is much easier when you have long-term support, so starting with medication-assisted treatment is a great launch point.

Combining natural options and medication-assisted treatment

For many people, the best way to secure recovery is to use a combination of natural supplements and medication for substance use recovery. Chat with an addiction specialist to see how you can get started with supplements and medications. It’s best to talk your recovery efforts over with a professional in case certain drugs and natural supplements have unanticipated consequences.

Rehab After Work can help you find a balance of natural supplements and medication on your path towards sobriety. WIth flexible hours to fit your schedule and compassionate professionals to walk with you on your journey, Rehab After Work offers the services you need. Call 610-644-6464 today to take the first step towards freedom.

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