Opiates are highly addictive substances and include illegal drugs such as heroin and certain prescription painkillers. The Society for Neuroscience states that opiates may cause a brief euphoria, or high, but if they are abused, they can negatively affect the health of your body and brain. The society estimates that up to 1 million Americans are addicted to heroin. Herbs may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your opiate addiction, but you should discuss the use of herbs for this purpose with your doctor before ingesting them.
Opiate Addiction and Withdrawal
Heavy, long-term opiate use -- for several weeks or more -- can cause both addiction and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine and methadone cause physical dependence, and that opiate withdrawal symptoms -- muscle aches, insomnia, anxiety -- are usually uncomfortable but not life-threatening. In most cases of opiate withdrawal, your symptoms will begin within 12 hours of your most recent exposure.
Herbal Approach
Herbs are a common adjunct therapy in treating drug addiction and withdrawal. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician, herbal medicine expert and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that two of the most appropriate herbs for this health purpose include oats and skullcap. Other herbs that may help drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms include burdock root, red clover, Siberian ginseng, milk thistle, St. John's wort and valerian root. Some herbs used for this condition may require more scientific research to examine their efficacy.
Herb in Focus
The root of the valerian plant contains many important plant chemicals and may be helpful in treating opiate addiction. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that valerian root possesses a calming effect, and that when it is used in combination with the amino acid tyrosine, it may be helpful for people battling drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Valerian root has sedative action and may help reduce your anxiety, insomnia and nervousness.
Additional Information
Opiate addiction is a serious health problem that usually requires a multimodal treatment approach incorporating both natural and conventional treatment techniques as well as talk therapy and substance abuse counseling. Herbs may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating opiate addiction, although herbs should always be used in conjunction with other proven therapies to bring about optimal health effects and benefits. If you are addicted to opiates, visit your physician to discuss all possible treatment options for your condition.
References
- Society for Neuroscience: Treating Opiate Addiction
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Opiate Withdrawal
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
