Get Over Your Addictions with Natural Remedies

Addictions have a root cause-a disturbance in the chemistry of the brain and body-that makes some people more likely to become dependent on alcohol, drugs, gambling, workaholism, or some other addictive substance or behavior. Some alternative practitioners believe that one thing can be dangerous to these peo­ple: It acts like a drug and triggers the addictive response that they want to suppress. That one thing is sugar. For them, too much sugar in any form-in sweets, refined carbohydrates, or alcohol-r-can affect their biochemistry in two key ways. First, it initially raises levels of serotonin, a brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, that helps control your mood and emo­tions, but the effect is short-lived. When this serotonin boost wears off, they feel even worse, experiencing depression and low self-esteem.

Second, it boosts levels of the "pleasure" neurotransmitters called beta-endorphins, triggering impulsive behavior and cravjngs for more sugar.

In other words, sugar helps to create the ideal biochemical environment for a lifetime of addiction. By changing your diet, you can begin the process of true recovery and start repairing your life.

For the following remedies, take four drops four times a day for several months or until you resolve your addiction.

Flower essences are specially prepared tinctures that can help with your addiction by making you aware of patterns of think­ing and feeling that are blocking your soul's natural expression.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN: For Addicts in Denial

For the addicted person who refuses to admit to a problem, this flower essence can help reveal the reality of the addiction.

RESCUE REMEDY: Help for Detox

Rescue Remedy (also known as Five-Flower Formula) can help a person through the difficult period of detoxifying from an alcohol or drug addiction. During the initial detoxification period, take four drops once an hour rather than four times a day to help you feel calm and stable.

CALIFORNIA WILD ROSE: 4 New Commitment to Life

An addict is often disconnected from a commitment to life - the feeling that life is here to be lived and that he has something to say about how his life will progress." This essence helps bring a new commitment to life and new life to the will.

NICOTIANA: If You're Trying to Quit Smoking

When you quit smoking, you feel tired, tense, and negative, and you have to face the emotions that you've been trying to avoid. (No wonder you reach for a cigarette!) The essence called nicotiana can help you be aware of your own life-energy and accept your feelings which helps you to avoid lighting up.

MORNING GLORY: For Caffeine Addiction

This flower essence helps people overcome erratic rhythms and disturbed sleep patterns, such as staying up late at night and feeling extremely sluggish in the morning, thereby reducing the need for caffeine in the morning