Recent studies show there is a connection between spinal alignment and recovery from substance abuse. The research reveals that misalignment of the spinal column can contribute to addiction, or rather the anxiety and depression that frequently lead some people to self-medicate with drugs and/or alcohol. After detoxification, a patient can utilize chiropractic treatments as part of the recovery process. Correct spinal alignment can reduce levels of cravings, anxiety and depression to assist in long-term recovery.
The Misalignment of the Spine
Research in addiction indicates that proper spine alignment is essential for the flow of neurotransmitters in the body. Chiropractic medicine is a complementary treatment for the emotional well-being of people struggling with substance abuse. When the spine is misaligned, it impairs the ability of the neurotransmitters to function at optimal capacity. These neurotransmitters are important brain chemicals that can help a person feel more relaxed and calm. This feeling of well-being can aid the substance abuser in completing a recovery program.
Why Neurotransmitters are Important
The brain produces chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood. Also known as neurotransmitters, these chemicals are important for emotional well-being. Released through the nerves, the chemicals have a relaxing affect on the body. In some people, these neurotransmitters are deficient due to genetics, improper spinal alignment or other reasons.
Low levels of neurotransmitters in the body lead to feelings of anxiety and depression which can interfere with the addicted person’s ability to take full advantage of the therapeutic tools provided at drug rehabilitation centers. This is due to the addicted person being anxious or depressed, or having cravings for drugs or alcohol.
Neurotransmitter Replacement Therapy helps those with genetic deficiency by administering amino acid supplements and other nutritional supplements to help the brain produce the needed chemicals. Chiropractic care helps increase the production of neurotransmitters through spinal adjustment
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Addiction
Chiropractic medicine involves locating areas of misalignment or subluxation, and treating them. It focuses on the skeletal system, the muscle groups and the nerves of the body. The manipulation of the spine often results in an immediate release of neurotransmitters due to their increased production.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to increase the flow of neurotransmitters in individual patients. Chiropractic treatments can also reduce or eliminate the underlying causes of physical pain that may have contributed to the addiction. Also, research shows that normal levels of neurotransmitters were achieved within three to four weeks of chiropractic care. When chiropractic care is used in conjunction with traditional addiction recovery techniques, 100% of patients in one study were able to complete a 30-day drug program. This was due to the reduction of anxiety and depression from the increase amounts of neurotransmitters released.
Chiropractic care cannot treat substance abuse problems. However, chiropractic techniques are a valuable supplement to traditional drug recovery programs. Once the addicted person has finished the medical detoxification process, s/he can then use chiropractic techniques as an addictional tool in the addicted person’s recovery program.
For more information about the benefits of chiropractic medicine, contact Amy Westrick at 401-453-2225 today.
