The Simplest Way to Grasp the Complexity of Addiction

And a Secret to Recovery

When families begin to see and accept that their loved one is in addiction, the best thing they can do - and what they often do - is research. They go to “Doctor Google” and type in ‘what is addiction?’ The problem is there are thousands of websites to explain it. Often, it’s too much information.

The websites at the top of a search renege have paid to be there. Ultimately, this is not a problem, unless we don’t recognize that money not only buys attention, it influences what people believe.

It’s important to have a way to decipher what you read on the internet; this article is no exception.

What actually drives addiction

All of these play a role in addiction: genes, biological factors, environmental factors, stressors, childhood trauma, intergenerational transmission of trauma, and brain malfunctions.

Recognize there is no one thing to change. There are many.

How do we make complexity simple?

I use to Google a question and assume the answers at the top were the truth. However, I’ve learned some lessons about the internet and addiction that I’d like to share.

• Internet searches may allude to one cause of addiction, In my opinion, there is not one cause, there are many things that contribute to it.

• There is no one path to recovery; there are many.

• Support systems that address many contributing factors over a longer period of time will increase longterm healing.

• It’s important to look deeply at what you believe and why.

• If the results you get from internet searches are less than optimal, keep asking questions, try new things, track your results and keep moving forward. There is hope!

We live in a world that contributes to and increases the potential for addiction. Addiction is not your fault, however taking responsibility for what you have the power to change only empower you. Doing the same thing over and over will not.

The 3-Legged Stool Metaphor to Simplifying what Contributes to Addiction

In the book, “Eat: A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings” by Christina Vaselek, she identifies three primary drivers of all addiction (and many other health problems).

Think of the three drivers of addiction as a 3 legs of a stool:

• Disordered neurochemistry: depleted neurotransmitters, unstable blood sugar, hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, ADHD, brain injury, etc

• Psycho-social stressors: acute trauma, complex PtSD, social isolation, intense emotional pains, lack of life skills, etc

• Spiritual disconnection: lack of meaning or purpose, violation of personal values, disconnection from oneself, inability to give or receive love and forgiveness, and a lack of basic trust

The 3-Legged Stool Metaphor to Simplifying what Contributes to Recovery

Think of the three drivers of recovery as the 3 legs of a stool:

• Bio-nutritional: giving the brain the nutrients needed to function optimally, and identifying/addressing other root causes of an out of balance brain.

• Psychosocial: engaging with community, addressing trauma, and developing skills and emotional management, stress, reduction, and communication.

• Spiritual: learning to forgive oneself and others. Trusting that the good things in life are possible. Growing in the ability to love, oneself and other people, And to receive love from others.

First ask questions

From what you already know about addiction (what you’ve learned from Google and what you have experienced yourself), ask questions:

• What makes sense with the simple 3-Legged Stool metaphor?

• What doesn’t make sense with the simple 3-Legged Stool metaphor?

Let’s get specific

It’s the disordered biochemistry leg of the stool that is so often missing in traditional recovery. That’s my perspective. That’s what I’ve learned from Christina Vaselek, founder of the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition.

When you look at the contributing factors under the disordered neurochemistry leg of the stool (depleted neurotransmitters, unstable blood sugar, hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, ADHD, brain injury, etc), how do you see traditional recovery addressing these factors?

Then write down your answers to the questions above

Take a few minutes. Journal your answers.

I realize the mind can jump to immediate conclusions:

• The 3-Legged Stool was not on the top of an internet search

• I only trust what my doctor tells me

• I already know what I believe to be true

• Inquiring into what I think is a waste of time

However, journaling begins a deeper process to think for yourself. When you pause, rethink, consider different perspectives, and make a conscious choice it’s an empowering act. A quick impulsive decision can be black and white thinking (thinking in extremes).

If you choose not to spend the time, know that it will be easy to just unconsciously accept what you’ve learned on the internet, or just what you’ve learned in your own personal experience with addiction.

Make your own best decision

When you consciously make your best decision you are fully responsible for your results. If the 3-Legged Stool metaphor makes sense and you’re ready to find a practitioner to coach check out Christina’s website where she has trained hundreds of people. You’ll find my name there, and you’ll find many, many others.

If you’re not ready to make a decision, but you have curiosity, know that Christina has two websites you can look at:

1) Amino Acid Therapy is where she trains people on the disordered neurochemistry leg of the stool. This websites has multiple references to scientific info.

She also has many videos and trainings about Bio-Nutritional healing.

2) Eating Protein Saves Lives is where she’s provides information about the ProRecovery diet, and a Feed Recovery group to help you customize your own food plan.

Families: Even though this information is geared towards individuals in recovery, giving the brain the nutrients needed to function optimally, and identifying/addressing other root causes of an out of balance brain is useful for you to best gain confidence in helping your loved one out of an addiction.

Yes, it is possible.

One request: if you see this information as not helpful, not true, or can offer a perspective of why traditional treatment is not including Bio-Nutritional support, I would appreciate your perspective.

Your comments are appreciated!