Addiction and Chiropractic Care

It is estimated that approximately 20% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of addiction, and alarmingly, over 80% of crime incidents are linked to addiction or substance abuse in some capacity. Furthermore, more than half of all traffic fatalities—specifically 50%—as well as manslaughters (68%), drownings (69%), and murders (69%) are associated with an addiction of some sort.

In addition to these serious statistics, it is noteworthy that 49% of all murders and 35% of all suicides are also connected to addiction. These troubling statistics do not even encompass deaths resulting from drug overdoses or health complications arising from substance abuse, underscoring the critical nature of the issue at hand.

HOW IS ADDICTION TREATED?

The standard treatment protocol for addiction typically encompasses a combination of counseling, rehabilitation programs, and mood-altering medications designed to assist individuals in overcoming their dependencies. While this approach can yield positive results for some, a significant concern arises from the fact that the prescription of medications intended to help individuals remain abstinent from other addictive substances may not always be effective or sustainable. Moreover, this treatment strategy frequently fails to address the fundamental causes of addiction, which can be more deeply rooted in physical and psychological issues than previously understood.

HELP WITH ADDICTION

In general, a crucial factor in successfully overcoming addiction is the individual’s dedicated commitment to their treatment program. Research indicates that individuals who complete a treatment regimen lasting three months or longer exhibit an impressive 85% success rate in remaining drug-free five years down the line.

One notable study related to chiropractic care and its effects on addiction was conducted by Dr. John D. T. Mork in 2015. This research examined the impact of chiropractic adjustments in a group of individuals undergoing rehabilitation for substance use disorders. The study revealed that participants who received regular chiropractic adjustments reported significantly lower levels of cravings and withdrawal symptoms compared to those who did not receive such care. Additionally, those receiving chiropractic care demonstrated improved overall mental well-being and a higher rate of retention in their treatment programs.

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC HELP WITH ADDICTION?

Chiropractic care primarily concentrates on the health of the spine and the alignment of vertebrae. When the spine is properly aligned, it allows for effective communication between the brain and body, enabling appropriate responses to various stimuli. However, when a subluxation—essentially a misalignment of the spine—occurs, this can disrupt the flow of neurotransmitters and impede numerous bodily functions that depend on proper neural communication.

In an insightful interview with Alternative Medicine, Dr. Mork elaborated on the concept of "brain reward cascade chemicals." These brain chemicals must travel through specific pathways in the body in a precise sequence. When this cascade is interrupted due to spinal misalignments, an individual may fail to experience the rewarding effects of these essential brain chemicals, leading to what is known as "reward deficiency syndrome." As a result, individuals may seek alternative sources of pleasure through mood-altering substances or various activities.

The presence of subluxation not only creates interference within your nerves and spinal cord but also disrupts the transmission of vital brain chemicals or neurotransmitters. By utilizing chiropractic adjustments to correct these misalignments, the body can restore its full functionality and regain balance.

RELIEF FROM ADDICTION

While experts widely acknowledge that there is no definitive "cure" for addiction, the overarching goal of addiction treatment and relief is to foster ongoing recovery and long-term success. Chiropractic care not only enhances overall bodily function and enables individuals to experience relief and joy once more but also instills a renewed sense of hope and tranquility by alleviating anxiety, clearing cognitive fog, and promoting an invigorated self-image.

If you find yourself ready to seek assistance with your addictions, we warmly invite you to visit our office or reach out to us at Aura Chiropractic, where we would be more than happy to assist you on your journey toward recovery!