Complementary Interventions in Addiction Treatment: Exploring Non-Traditional and Adjunctive Therapies

This podcast episode, hosted by Dr. Dawn Elise Snipes, delves into a range of complementary interventions designed to enhance traditional addiction treatment for both chemical and behavioral addictions. The core premise is that each individual's biology and triggers are unique, and while traditional psychopharmacology is effective for some, it fails a significant majority or is rejected by others. The discussion emphasizes the importance of naturally rebalancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and GABA, and addresses the physiological underpinnings of mood symptoms that can contribute to relapse, such as thyroid issues, cardiovascular problems, gonadal hormone imbalances, chronic pain, sleep apnea, and autoimmune conditions.

The presentation distinguishes between what Dr. Snipes terms "concurrent" issues (traditional medical conditions requiring Western medicine approaches) and truly "complementary" interventions. It explores various non-traditional therapies, starting with acupuncture and its derivatives (acupressure, magnets, lasers, electro-acupuncture), highlighting its proven efficacy in reducing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and even psychotic symptoms by activating nerve signaling and increasing neurotransmitters like endogenous opioids, serotonin, and dopamine. The episode also touches on emerging brain modulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), neurofeedback (especially EEG-based for emotional regulation), and deep brain stimulation, noting their promise despite limited research.

Further complementary approaches discussed include biofeedback, which empowers individuals to self-regulate physiological stress responses using simple tools like fitness watches, thereby reducing anxiety and cravings. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is presented as a potential natural alternative for pain, anxiety, and depression, with a focus on its ability to prevent drug-induced neuroadaptations and buffer excitotoxicity, though strict warnings are given regarding purity, potency, and interactions with other medications. Light therapy is highlighted for its role in resetting circadian rhythms, improving mood, and increasing vitamin D, which in turn reduces inflammation and regulates mood.

Finally, the episode covers hypnosis, particularly its use in creating hypnotic aversion suggestions to reduce cravings through top-down regulation of the prefrontal cortex. It concludes with a critical discussion of kratom, acknowledging its popularity for self-detoxification but strongly cautioning against its use due to lack of FDA regulation, unknown purity and potency, and potential for dangerous effects similar to opioids and stimulants. The overall message underscores a holistic, personalized approach to addiction recovery that integrates diverse therapeutic modalities to address the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

"each person is unique and when people use substances in order to get the preferred effects from those substances what has to happen neurotransmitters have to be altered"

"psychopharmacology your antidepressants and those sorts of things only work for about 30 to 37 percent of the population"

"if we've got somebody who is just adamant that they are not going to take a pill of any sort or an injection of any sort then what do we do to help them achieve recovery"

"thyroid issues if it's too high can cause symptoms of anxiety you know it's kind of revving you up too low mimics the symptoms of depression"

"acupuncture has been proven repeatedly to help with a variety of symptoms from addiction including craving and withdrawal symptoms"

"in electro acupuncture depending on the frequency of the electric shock it activates the nerves without tissue damage... which increases several neurotransmitters including the endogenous opioids... and serotonin... and dopamine"

"with biofeedback they can use a fitness watch or a heart rate monitor as well as their respiration rate... in order to learn how to modulate their physiological stress reactions"

"cbd actually prevents drug induced neuro adaptations it helps buffer that excitotoxicity which is kind of interesting"

"light therapy helps set reset circadian rhythms"

"some studies have shown decreased craving via hypnotic aversion suggestions through top-down regulation of the prefrontal cortex as evidenced through mris"

"kratom can cause effects similar to both opioids the pain control and stimulants so it can produce sedation pleasure and decreased pain"

"kratom is not illegal in the US and not regulated for purity or potency by the FDA which means you don't really know what you're getting when you order kratom"