A Comprehensive Approach
Substance abuse has reached epic proportions in the 21st century. Crime rates are escalating all over the world. People from every race, color and socio-economic background are becoming addicted to drugs such as Crack, Cocaine, fentanyl and Crystal Meth, Heroin, Alcohol, and prescription drugs. The obscene growth of prescription drug addiction and fentanyl in America’s middle-class cannot be overstated. As a result of addiction, mental illness and drug abuse, marriages and families are being devastated; children are endangered, both directly and indirectly.
We can no longer afford to ignore the impact of drugs and alcohol in (the US) and in our world. Addiction professionals need to continuously change and reevaluate the effectiveness of their treatment approaches. There are promising new treatment approaches that need to be properly funded; but instead, are held up by political and bureaucratic red tape and the unwillingness of insurance companies to reimburse these types of services.
The intention of this article is to promote public awareness of the growing epidemic of addiction, expanding the reader’s knowledge and understanding of the root causes of addiction. Emphasizing the need to reevaluate the current (philosophies and procedures) in the field of addiction by developing and funding more effective evidenced based methods of treatment. By acting locally and thinking globally, it is possible to turn the tide of addiction recovery rates around.
ABOUT ADDICTION
A number of factors contribute to the development of addictive behaviors such as genetics, gut issues, closed head injuries early childhood trauma, mental disorders, family history, environment, and biochemical deficiencies. Early childhood trauma includes sexual and/or physical abuse, neglect, or abandonment and emotional abuse Some of the mental illnesses that often accompany addiction are learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, and a multitude of others.
Addicts develop addictions to alleviate the symptoms of these underlying illnesses. In 2024 we had over 100,000 deaths from overdoses. Depression and anxiety in people dramatically increased due to COVID-19. The Following will discuss some of these underlying issues.
Family history is also especially important as certain genetic factors are attributed to behaviors that passed down from generation to generation. Genetics is further influenced by the physical environment surrounding the individual, which is called epigenetics. Epigenetics can change gene expression. In other words, if you have an addiction gene it does not mean you will become an addict. Doctor Kenneth Blum has developed the genetic addiction risk Score which tells a person if they have a mild moderate or severe propensity to become an addict. Doctor Blum utilizes a term called reward deficiency syndrome. He has also developed amino acid protocols that address these deficiencies.
Some people develop their addictions at early age and never learn to cope with adversity, thereby propagating their addictive behavior. As these individuals grow older, their behaviors become more deeply rooted and their addictions grow stronger until it becomes more difficult to satisfy.
Addiction destroys a human being on every level of their existence. It ravages them mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, leaving them virtually drowning in a sea of loneliness and despair. They hope that they may one day win their battle to stop using vanishes completely. They lose touch with their higher power and their life becomes an endless series of failures, that eventually leads to total resignation to their addictions and their pain. People suffering from addiction not only abuse drugs and alcohol, but every person, place, and thing with whom they come in contact. Although, it is not their intention to cause such tumultuous pain in those around them, their battered emotions seep into all areas of their lives, making attempts at recovery futile.
THE HOLISTIC APPROACH
(DETOX & TREATMENT)
In years past, addiction treatment centers have focused primarily on treating the psychological aspects of the disease of addiction, while neglecting to address the delicate inter-connective balance of the body, mind, and spirit. Most individuals who enter a 28-day treatment program receive education about their addictions, they scratch the surface of these issues that underlie their addictive behaviors and are introduced to the self-help groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), and GA (Gamblers Anonymous). After treatment, clients are encouraged to live in a supportive environment such as a ¾ way house. However, most return to their lives unprepared to live in a life without drugs and alcohol. In some cases, this traditional approach to treatment may be effective. Usually, the success rate of traditional addiction treatment is exceptionally low.
The (core principle) of Western Medicine is that if you have a symptom, treat it. If a person has a headache, they take Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen to alleviate the symptoms but never (address) the root cause of the headache.
On the other hand, the Comprehensive approach to medicine and treatment holds that human beings have a body, a mind, and a spirit. These elements of the human being are intertwined and exist in a delicate balance that determines positive or negative physical/mental and spiritual health. The holistic method respects this balance and approaches treatment with the understanding that to achieve positive results this equilibrium needs to be restored. Families need to be educated and go to therapy and or join a self-help group (Alon, Nar anon, etc.) to learn how to live in a healthy way with the addicted family member and themselves.
An exciting new detox treatment that deals primarily with painless detox from drugs and alcohol known as Ibogaine has experienced noteworthy success in the approach to treatment. This treatment is used for the detox and stabilization of most addictive substances. Typically, it takes about seven days to three months to detox an individual who is addicted to Heroin or Methadone, depending on the quantity used. With ibogaine the detox last 24to36 hours with little or no side effects.
Ibogaine is a rain forest alkaloid derived from the root of the Tabernanthe iboga (Apocynacea family), which is a shrub indigenous to West Central Africa. (It has been used in low doses for centuries to relieve fatigue, hunger, and thirst by the Indigenous tribe members. Ibogaine was used primarily as a rite of passage to grow mentally spiritually and emotionally into adulthood.
The pharmacogenetic effects of Ibogaine have been researched by researchers for over one hundred years. The anti-addictive properties of Ibogaine were first reported by Howard Lotsof a Heroin addict in 1962. People who are substance-dependent have stated that Ibogaine treatment puts them into a waking dream state. These Ibogaine-induced dreams usually centered on early childhood traumas and other important developmental events that occurred during turning points in their life.
Once awakened from these dream-like visions, insight into interpreting the root causes of addictive personalities is often revealed. At the end of the Ibogaine treatment, addicts experienced total cessation of their cravings. Opiate-dependent clients stated that their opiate withdrawal symptoms were mostly alleviated.
Dr. Deborah Mash is currently working in the UK with a Regulatory agency called MHRA who granted her approval to do research with Ibogaine. MHRA is the equivalent to our FDA here in the United States. Doctor Mash is a Neuroscientist and is the Chief Researcher of the Ibogaine Project. Dr. Mash and I have worked together in the island of St. Kitts from 1997 t0 2003 to create a new holistic treatment approach to addiction that is more effective than current methodologies. This alliance formed against drug abuse encompasses Ibogaine treatment along with other modalities that work cooperatively to restore healthy body, mind, and spirit functioning.
BODY
The 21st century comprehensive approach begins first with the body. What we ingest internally creates the foundation for the proper functioning of our mind and body.
Stimulants and toxins such as caffeine, refined sugars, processed foods, food additives, and a poor overall diet contribute immensely to an imbalance in brain chemistry. It is crucial that these foods and additives are eliminated or significantly reduced in the diet to restore healthy brain and gut functioning.
In exchange, a complete diet consisting of fruit, fiber, fish, turkey, chicken, whole grains, other types of protein, and at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Those entering treatment are usually dehydrated and are protein deficient. clients need to be evaluated for certain bacterial and fungal infections, parasites, and inflammatory microbiome issues.
Chemical dependency along with an insufficient diet can wreak havoc on an individual’s health and their delicate immune system. These complications can contribute to depression, agitation, memory issues and decreased energy stores eventually leading to relapses.
Along with a proper diet, a good vitamin/mineral, amino acid supplement regiment is also necessary. Many of the vitamin’s minerals, and amino acid stores, which are the building blocks of neurotransmitters in the brain, are depleted from drug and alcohol abuse.
Exercise, meditation, neurofeedback, light, and sound therapy along with stress reduction techniques are essential in keeping our mind and body stable, these are excellent disciplines for achieving mind/body congruency are yoga, tai chi, and karate. Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy are excellent approaches as well as frequency treatment like super patch that is considered the software of the brain. Assisting the brain. By re-regulating, it Brings it into homeostasis addressing Wellness energy levels, Stress, And pain regulation.
Acupuncture is a modality that can often assist the body in the rebalancing process. This treatment allows energy to flow evenly through the body to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters to calm the cravings for drugs and alcohol.
Nurturing oneself with hot baths steams and infrared saunas will assist the body in eliminating toxins. Meditation, prayer, good music, and gentle relaxation will help to restore peace of mind and harmony to the soul.
Last but (not) least, heavy metal and biochemical testing has proven to be most effective in detecting toxicity and imbalances in the body through blood, feces, urine, saliva, and hair analyses.
This method also enables us to detect adrenal and thyroid abnormalities, heavy metal toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies. The intestines need to be evaluated for leaky gut syndrome and H pylori infection and parasites that result in poor nutrient absorption that could also cause depression and anxiety. Testing for mold is also extremely important. This can wreak havoc. In your system. Causing. multiple problems. Testing for imbalances helps to create a sound therapeutic approach to addiction and mental illness. Targeting specific irregularities solidifies better outcomes. Methylation testing is important because it lets you know what nutrients you are absorbing and which nutrients you are not. Micronutrient testing also lets you know what nutrients you. Are Deficient in. And which ones do you have too much of?
MIND
Current research (continues to suggest) that certain chemical imbalances in the brain and the microbiome play a key role in contributing to addiction and mental illness. The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol causes brain chemistry to deviate from the normal range. The 2001 NHSDA reported that those who use illicit drugs were twice as likely to have serious mental illnesses as compared with those adults who did not abuse illicit drugs.
With chronic abuse a vicious cycle begins, which can grow exponentially over time. This causes a lack of concentration, emotional instability, feelings of depression, and a total absence of a moral and spiritual balance.
In some cases, medication is necessary to correct the chemical imbalance resulting from drug addiction and mental illnesses. Vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and herbal remedies are also known to alleviate these abnormalities. It is paramount to change the root causes of these addictive behaviors for treatment to be successful. The utilization of hyperbaric medicine can also address the damaged to the brain that drugs leave behind. Effective therapies that can effectuate tremendous changes in behavior are EMDR, NLP, and neurofeedback and other modalities.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach to psychotherapy that uses eye movements to stimulate the information processing in the brain. This type of therapy provides much faster results than traditional therapy. E.M.D.R is used for treating trauma such as: sexual abuse, domestic violence, war, crime, depression, addiction, phobias, and self-esteem issues. A recent study performed by Kaiser-Permanente found that EMDR was twice as effective and in about half the amount of time than typical therapy. Overall, EMDR allows the brain to heal its own wounds at the same rate that the rest of the body can heal its physical ailments, making a long and tedious recovery outdated.
Another interesting modality that has proven highly effective is Neuro Linguistic Programming (N.L.P.). NLP is the study of the structure of subjective experience. It is a therapeutic tool which can reprogram a client’s belief systems and behaviors. NLP incorporates a set of models on how communication can be affected by subjective experience. It utilizes a change in language and thought processes to understand behaviors.
Neurofeedback is an innovative technique that trains the brain to help it improve body function regulation and overall brain health. When there is poor brain functioning, it can be recognized by EEG (Electroencephalogram) treatment by challenging the brain, much like muscles that are challenged in physical exercise to improve their strength, normal brain functionality can be restored. The benefits of neurofeedback include healthier sleep patterns, relief from anxiety and depression, and attention and emotional management. Emotional management is especially important in how an individual reacts to a particular situation.
SPIRIT
One of the most important steps in recovery is psychological and spiritual awareness. Becoming aware of personal speech, thoughts, body language, and actions is crucial in maintaining a life free from chemical dependency. It is important to learn how to avoid the pitfalls of negative thoughts and negative people. An individual must learn that it is more important to be kind than to be right, and to develop values, integrity, and finally, to learn to be good to oneself and others by trusting in a form of spirituality. By believing in higher spiritual principles, it is easier to submit oneself to recovery and treatment.
Relationships that developed through spirituality enriches one’s life and gives hope and inspiration. Recovering individuals discover that a life free from the clutches of drugs and alcohol is not only possible but is a life well worth living. Spirituality is the foundation for the development of a positive living philosophy.
The twelve-step programs are a spiritual way of life. They are non-denominational, anonymous, and non-controversial. The success of these programs is based upon “the therapeutic value of one addict helping another.” Many atheist and agnostic individuals have been able to embrace the twelve steps with their own personal concept of a higher power. The role of a higher power in their life becomes G.O.D. (Good Orderly Direction). Every addict that is serious about recovery can attain serenity and fullness of life by applying these steps and these principles to their daily life. Clients who are inclined to get back to their religious roots are encouraged to do so that they can create a harmonious balance back in their lives. A new program called Wingman. Can assist People. On their journey to recover by guiding them through life’s challenges. Wingman. Is. a supportive Software app. That is a guide. To Wellness. Taking In consideration the mind, body, and spirit. It is the latest rendition of an Aftercare program addiction and mental health Wellness. You can track your success by utilizing your data of your journey way you can see your progress.
Conclusion
Addiction treatment has come a long way through the years and still has a long way to go. Treatment needs to be anywhere from 60 to 90 days inpatient depending on the severity of the addiction, then transitioned into an intensive outpatient program and aftercare. In the 21st century the most effective approach to treating addictive disorders is the holistic(comprehensive) approach. In this approach individuals suffering from the disease of addiction need to be treated with respect, dignity, and as a whole person with a body, mind, and spirit. It takes time to heal and to restore the proper functioning of these three elements which are fundamental to a successful recovery lifestyle. It is especially important to increase public awareness of addiction and mental illness to decrease the stigma that surrounds it, which is preventing the afflicted from accessing necessary treatment.
There are five million people in the US who need addiction treatment and millions around the world that are not receiving it. If our communities embraced a more holistic attitude toward recovery there would be a decrease in the number of people needing treatment, in this way more resources would become available to those who are suffering from addiction and mental illness. Knowledge of addiction is a powerful tool that will assist our planet in defending itself against this moral, physical, and spiritual decay. Addiction and mental illness are a hidden terrorist in our world, this insidious dis-ease needs to be arrested and eventually eradicated.
Dr John Giordano PHD is a recovering addict who celebrates 40 years of continuous recovery. His addiction degrees are as follows D.H.L C.A.P., M.A.C., & C.C.J.S. John and his partners started their company with $300 dollars and sold Holistic Addiction Treatment Program in North Miami Beach, Florida. In 2012 for $45 million dollars. John Giordano has been the recipient of many distinguished awards, such as the Martin Luther King Award, and the Homeless Humanitarian Award. Mr. Giordano has been on numerous television and radio shows and podcasts he also has lectured to approximately fifty countries around the world. He continues to give back to humanity to help God’s children. John is also in the Black Belt Hall of Fame because of his many accomplishments and contributions to the martial arts, including becoming a 10˚ black belt and a national karate champion. He is also the author of the book, The kid from the South Bronx who never gave up. That was recently featured in News week, and how to beat your addictions, and live a quality life. Dr. Giordano is also in over eighty medical and scientific-peered-reviewed journals along with some of the top scientists and researchers in the world. The best way to see Dr Giordano’ s papers is on Research Gate.
For more information, please contact Dr John Giordano
At JohnJGiordano.com or call him at7862715732
