The goal: to treat underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction and possible relapse.

The integrative medicine practitioner’s approach of treating the whole person is certainly utilized when working with the individual that is recovering from addiction. Recent research indicates that there are realms of dysfunction frequently found in those that suffer from addictions. These areas are not usually addressed in mainstream allopathic medicine.

The integrative practitioner investigates and treats the following:

1. The gut-brain axis

   There is a large body of recent research that points to the role that the microbiome plays as a critical component of brain health, including addictive behaviors. The state of gut health is proving to be a critical part of many conditions, including addictions and mental health issues. 

2. Inflammation

   Related to the gut-brain axis, is the impact that inflammatory chemicals released from the immune system have on the body and the brain. Research indicates that there are often elevated levels of inflammation in those that suffer from addictions.

3. Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis

   This is the hormonal feedback loop that is involved in the body’s response to stress and cortisol production. Studies indicate that there are abnormalities in the hormones that are involved in people that have addictions. For example, elevations in the stress hormone cortisol have been correlated with drug cravings. 

Functional Lab Testing

The integrative practitioner routinely uses lab testing for assessment.

The lab testing used may include the use of both the local medical laboratory and specialized laboratories. This specialized testing is termed functional medicine lab testing. This is the type of testing used to assess the conditions listed above.

Results will help to inform what treatment is indicated.

Integrative Therapies:

Once the underlying issues are determined, the integrative practitioner has several tools that can be utilized to support health:

1. Lifestyle advice

   This may include exercise, stress reduction techniques, or sleep recommendations.

2. Diet changes

   To assist with the removal of foods that may be contributing to health problems.

   Foods that are healing are added to the recommendations.

3. Nutritional and herbal supplements

   That helps correct the abnormalities that have been discovered.

4. Hormonal supplementation

   When indicated, to address imbalances in reproductive or stress hormones. 

5. Prescription medication

   Is an option and is usually prescribed in combination with the above.

The risk for relapse may be reduced by treating the other issues present.

For instance, the person in recovery from an eating disorder will be less triggered if her digestive problems are improved.

By improving sleep in the person recovering from a substance use disorder, he will be more resilient when experiencing a stressful situation.

Hopefully, with broader awareness, integrative medicine will be utilized more often to assist those healing from addictions.

References:

Kohno, M., Link, J., Dennis, L. E., McCready, H., Huckans, M., Hoffman, W. F., & Loftis, J. M. (2019). Neuroinflammation in addiction: A review of neuroimaging studies and potential immunotherapies. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 179, 34–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2019.01.007

Jerlhag, E. (2019). Gut-brain axis and addictive disorders: A review with focus on alcohol and drugs of abuse. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 196, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.005

Sinha, R. (2011). New Findings on Biological Factors Predicting Addiction Relapse Vulnerability. Current Psychiatry Reports, 13(5), 398–405. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-011-0224-0