Transcript
Page 1: A Safe, Natural Way to End Addiction

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A Safe, Natural Way to End Addiction New book introduces a revolutionary approach to curing addiction with clinically tested nutritional interventions.

Why do so many substance abuse treatment programs fail, sending addicts back to their old habits? It’s not because addicts are morally weak, spiritually deficient, or psychologically damaged. It’s because few treatment programs address the real problem behind substance abuse: nutritional imbalances that lead to shortages in neurotransmitters, the natural mood-elevating stress hormones in the brain.

The good news is that when neurotransmitters are replenished and rebalanced, substance abusers almost immediately experience low or no cravings, reduced withdrawal symptoms, and dramatically improved health and emotional well-being.

In a new book by nutritional medicine pioneer CE GANT MD and GREG LEWIS PHD, End Your Addiction Now: The Proven Nutritional Supplement Program That Can Set You Free (Square One, 2010), Drs. Gant and Lewis present an easy, step-by-step addiction recovery program with a success rate that’s more than triple the national average. It includes some two dozen case studies of patients who’ve overcome addictions to tobacco, alcohol, opiates, pain meds, antidepressants, and other substances—including sugar.

This safe, effective, and natural Power Recovery Program enables readers to tailor nutritional intervention strategies to fit their own unique body chemistry and addiction, whether it’s to cigarettes, alcohol, prescription drugs, or carbs. The program also has an impressive track record with patients who found real help dealing with psychological disorders, such as depression and ADHD, and were able to stop using prescription meds such as Prozac, Zoloft, Adderall, and Ritalin.

The two-stage Power Recovery Program includes:

Stage One: Quick-Start—Gets you started on an immediate personal recovery program with self-assessment questionnaires that diagnose your neurotransmitter deficiency. Reduces or completely eliminates cravings within 24 to 72 hours.

Stage Two: Detoxification—Rids your body of many common types of toxins, not just those resulting from drug use.

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For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

What Is Addiction?Drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, anti-depressants, cocaine, and even sugar are capable of tempor-arily alleviating the symptoms of neurotransmitter deficiencies. But continued use of these substances can, often quite quickly, result in addiction, a situation in which our brains adapt and begin to rely on these neurotransmitter substitutes to keep us going.

Page 2: A Safe, Natural Way to End Addiction

After the addiction has been managed, you can follow a targeted Long-Term Biochemical Rebalancing program, which corrects secondary nutritional imbalances that may have resulted from prolonged substance abuse.

Readers also learn:• How to kick the “carboholism” habit—and overcome sugar

addiction, type II diabetes, and obesity • The real cause of your addiction—and how to effectively

address it• Why some people are more susceptible than others to

substance abuse• How to find out which neurotransmitters you’re deficient in—

and then get your levels quickly back to normal• Why treating psychological disorders with drugs can harm

rather than help you in the long term• How preservatives, pesticides, chemical additives, and

antibiotics can exacerbate substance abuse • How to get children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD off prescription

drugs for good—and improve their behavior• How the right nutritional supplements can help you stay clean

and sober—even if you’re under a lot of stress

If you’re following a traditional recovery strategy, you’ve got about a1 in 4 chance of success. If you combine that strategy with the Power Recovery Program, the evidence suggests you’ll increase your chances of recovery to 5 out of 6. Even if you’re not currently following a recovery plan, Dr. Gant’s clinical experience with thousands of patients suggests that you’ll dramatically improve your chances for a complete recovery. No matter how many times you’ve tried to quit before, End Your Addiction Now will help you beat the odds.

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END YOUR ADDICTION NOWThe Proven Nutritional Program That Can Set You FreeCE Gant MD and Greg Lewis PhDSquare One PublishersISBN: 978-0-7570-0313-4$16.95 paper296 pages

“I’m in a state of shock—your program has killed my interest and cravings for alcohol within 24 hours. I’m starting at a low dose, taken with meals, of your suggested aminos and vitamins and will work up to a higher dose, taken before meals to ensure I’m getting all I need for the long haul. I’m just so pleased! What a wonderful feeling—as I used to think about having a glass around 3 and would wait and wait anxiously until 5! I love this! No white knuckles and no desperate will power. I’m telling all who will listen about this approach. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”—Barbara H., patient

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About the Author

CE GANT MD is one of this country’s leading practitioners of nutrition-based medicine and an authority on the biochemical roots of addiction. A well-known researcher, educator, and outspoken advocate for biochemically sound approaches to the treatment of substance abuse and mental disorders, he is coauthor, with GREG LEWIS PHD, of End Your Addiction Now: The Proven Nutritional Supplement Program That Can Set You Free (Square One, 2010).

Dr. Gant received his medical degree from the University of Virginia, with postgraduate residency training in Family Practice and Psychiatry. He served as medical director of Tully Hill Hospital, a rehabilitation facility in Syracuse, NY, where he pioneered nutritional and detoxification protocols for the treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders, and received a remarkable 83 percent success rate in ending patients’ addictions after one year—more than three times the national average.

For nearly three decades Dr. Gant has practiced Integrative, Complementary/Alternative, and Functional Medicine while serving in medical directorships and consultancies to clinics and hospitals, and as a psychiatric consultant at several substance abuse and mental health clinics throughout New York State. He has treated many kinds of medical disorders, but a significant portion of his work has focused on natural, medication-free treatments for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), substance use disorders (drug, tobacco, and alcohol addiction), and mood disorders (anxiety and depression). The protocols he developed have been duplicated around the country by a number of healthcare practitioners and rehabilitation facilities such as Bridging the Gaps, in Winchester, VA, and disseminated by the Alliance for Addiction Solutions, a national organization co-founded by Dr. Gant.

Dr. Gant currently practices at National Integrated Health Associates in Washington, DC (NIHADC.com), and is Director of Integrative Medicine of Brain Enhancement Solutions and Technologies Inc. (brainenhancement.net), a firm that diagnoses and treats brain disorders with neuroimagery. He is also medical director and CMO of Synaptic Connections (synapticconnections.org), a research-focused, nonprofit group dedicated to improving outcomes for various neuropsychiatric disorders by combining brain imagery with nutritional and detoxification treatments.

www.CEGant.com

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

Addiction Facts:• Substance abuse

and addiction account for two-thirds of all incarcerations in the US.

• Addiction accounts for 50% of psychiatric admissions and 25% of medical surgical admissions.

• Addiction is the number one cause of death in the US—with tobacco causing 450,000 deaths per year alone.

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Four Risk Factors for Substance Abuse

When your brain has enough of the nutrients necessary to manufacture all the neurotransmitters you need, you feel more relaxed, alert, focused, happy, and pain-free. But when your brain’s biochemistry is imbalanced, you’re at increased risk for developing mental suffering, which leads the unwary into the trap of medicating their symptoms with brain injurious and addictive chemicals. Here are four culprits behind brain chemistry imbalances that put you at risk.

Poor Nutrition Caused by poor absorption due to the overgrowth of harmful

microorganisms, such as yeast, in the intestines. Resulting from a diet heavy in refined carbohydrates and

processed food that is stripped of its nutritional value. Caused by digestive problems from insufficient amounts of

digestive enzymes.

Toxin exposure From chemical additives, pesticides, preservatives, and other

toxins. From overuse of antibiotic drugs. Caused by ingestion of heavy metals contained in dental

fillings, cookware, the water supply, and certain foods.

Prolonged stress Causing the over-release of stress hormones and certain

neurotransmitters, which can quickly tax our body’s supply of nutrients needed to replenish depleted neurotransmitters.

Genetic vulnerabilities To nutrient deficiencies that make us more susceptible to

alcohol or drug addiction. People with a genetic vulnerability to the effects of alcohol, for example, will be able to consume quantities of liquor that could make most people violently ill, or find that they feel better after a hangover if they start drinking again.

Tips for Improving Your Nutritional Status Supplement to

replenish key neurotransmitters as outlined in End Your Addiction Now.

Detoxify as suggested in the book, to lessen adverse symptoms.

Avoid processed, chemical-laden produce, dairy, and meat.

Drink 12-18 oz./day of bottled or filtered water.

Limit carb intake to beans, nonstarchy vegetables, and

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

www.CEGant.com

Page 5: A Safe, Natural Way to End Addiction

Four Key Neurotransmitters Involved in Substance Abuse

When an addictive substance like nicotine, alcohol, psychiatric medications, or cocaine reaches the brain, it mimics the effect of a neurotransmitter, occupying receptors designed for a specific neurotransmitter—in effect fooling the brain into thinking that it’s producing its natural neurotransmitter in adequate amounts. The brain learns to rely on these artificial substances and diminishes production of its natural neurotransmitters, which leads to craving and addiction. Research shows that keeping these four key neurotransmitters in adequate supply greatly improves recovery rates and reduces your chance of becoming addicted in the first place or relapsing once you’ve quit:

Endorphins and EnkephalinsNature’s pain killers, these are inhibitory neurotransmitters produced in response to physical or emotional pain and physical exertion. Substances that “act like” these neurotransmitters include:

• Morphine and heroin• Prescription painkillers, including Oxycontin, codeine, methadone,

and Demerol• Alcohol

SerotoninAn inhibitory neurotransmitter that acts as an emotional relaxant, serotonin prevents us from becoming irritable or overreacting to difficult situations. Substances that “act like” serotonin include:

• Serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft

• Foods high in refined sugar• Alcohol

Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid (GABA)An inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with relaxation, GABA helps calm racing thoughts and may help prevent anxiety attacks and panic attacks. Substances that “act like” GABA include:

• Alcohol • Benzodiazepines, a class of prescription drugs including Valium and

Xanax that have a tranquilizing effect• Some herbal substances like Kava Kava

CatecholaminesExcitatory neurotransmitters involved in the energizing functions of the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are the two primary catecholamines. Dopamine regulates short-term bursts of concentration and euphoria. Norepinephrine causes sustained alertness, awareness, and vigilance. Substances that “act like” catecholamines include:

• Cocaine and amphetamines• Ritalin • Strattera

Recovery does not depend on which substance you use but on which neurotransmitter shortages are causing the mood disorders, concentration difficulties, and sleep problems associated with your urge to use substances. To find out which neurotransmitter deficiency is at the root of your substance problem, take the self-assessment quizzes in chapter 5 of End Your Addiction Now.

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

www.CEGant.com

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The Power Recovery Program At-a-Glance

STAGE ONE: QUICK START RECOVERY PROGRAM

This stage rapidly reduces or eliminates common symptoms experienced by problem substance users by beginning the process of rebalancing brain chemistry.To do:

Identify which neurotransmitter deficiency is likely the cause of your substance cravings and other symptoms associated with your substance abuse by taking a short set of questionnaires.

Take the Quick-Start nutritional supplements associated with your primary neurotransmitter deficiency to help rebalance your brain chemistry.

Results: Most patients notice positive changes after taking the Quick-Start

nutrients for two to three days, including diminished cravings, increased energy, better focus, fewer mood swings, and improved sleep.

Some patients reduce their substance abuse, or even stop completely, during the Quick-Start stage as their cravings lessen and their brain chemistry begins to rebalance.

STAGE TWO: DETOXIFICATION This stage adds additional nutritional supplements to cleanse the body of toxins from substance abuse and other sources. Detoxification removes the obstacles to correcting the biochemical imbalances that had put you at risk for substance problems in the first place. To do:

Take the Power Recovery Program Detoxification Nutrients. Continue to take the Quick-Start nutritional supplements. Begin tapering off substance use. Note: If your substance use has been heavy or prolonged or if you are taking prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines [or SSRIs], do not attempt to rapidly taper or suddenly discontinue use without professional supervision.

Results: You may experience some withdrawal symptoms, but the

nutritional supplements are designed to reduce the effects of withdrawal.

As your brain chemistry rebalances, most people begin to feel better, with fewer substance abuse symptoms and diminished cravings.

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

Nutritional Supplements for DetoxificationLecithin: 2,000 mg, twice dailyLactobacillus Acidophilus: 2.5 billion organisms, twice dailyBifidus: 2.5 billion organisms, twice dailyVitamin E: Up to 400 IU, twice dailyVitamin C: Up to 5,000 mg per day, taken in 3 or 4 equal dosesMSM: Up to 2,000 mg, twice dailyAlpha Lipoic Acid: Up to 300 mg, twice dailyGlutathione: Up to 100 mg, twice dailyGlycine: Up to 1,500 mg, twice daily

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How to Kill Nicotine Cravings Naturally

Within three days of following the Power Recovery Program Quick Start for Smokers protocol, most patients notice they have lost the urge to smoke. The following nutritional supplements help replenish the brain’s neurotransmitters that get disrupted by nicotine, thus reducing or eliminating your cravings.

Purified Lecithin: Up to 2,000 mg, three times daily, an hour before breakfast and dinner and at bedtime. Lecithin helps boost production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. If you suffer from Parkinson’s disease, consult a healthcare professional before taking lecithin.

L-Tyrosine: Up to 2,000 mg, three times daily, an hour before meals. Tyrosine, an amino acid, is the main nutrient needed to produce catecholamines, a type of neurotransmitter that has an energizing function. If you’re taking antidepressant medication, consult a healthcare professional before taking tyrosine.

5HTP: Up to 200 mg, three times daily, an hour before breakfast and dinner and at bedtime. 5HTP is required to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Some people respond better to tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to 5HTP, than to 5HTP itself. If you take tryptophan, you should take 1,000–2,000 mg, three times/day. If you’re taking antidepressant medication, you should consult with a healthcare professional before taking 5HTP or tryptophan.

L-Glutamine: Up to 1,000 mg, three times daily, an hour before meals. Glutamine is an amino acid that helps in relaxation. If you have cirrhosis of the liver or severe liver disease, consult with a healthcare professional before taking glutamine.

B-Complex Vitamin Capsule: At least one capsule, twice daily with phenylalanine. Several B vitamins are essential for the production of key neurotransmitters.

Vitamin C: At least 1,500 mg, three times daily.

Multi-Mineral Supplement: Your daily mineral supplement should include calcium (1,000 mg); magnesium (300 mg); potassium (100 mg); iron (20 mg); zinc (20 mg); manganese (6 mg); copper (1 mg); chromium (400 mg); selenium (60 mcg); molybdenum (50 mcg). If you use nicotine to relax, take 20 to 25 mg of additional zinc daily. If you use nicotine to improve your focus and energy level, take at least 2 mg of copper daily.

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You’ll want to take your Quick-Start for Smokers supplements for at least 4 weeks, and probably several weeks more, depending on your results.

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

Page 8: A Safe, Natural Way to End Addiction

Four Myths about Compulsive Substance Abuse

Myth Compulsive substance abuse is a sign of lack of will power, or of an underlying moral or spiritual problem.

Fact Compulsive substance abuse is a sign of nutritional deficiencies that result in biochemical imbalances and toxicities. Correcting the imbalances through nutritional supplements will help diminish or eliminate the cravings that drive people to abuse substances.

Myth Drugs and alcohol are the causes of substance abuse.

Fact Poor nutrition, toxins, stress, and genetics are the underlying cause of substance abuse because they lead to biochemical imbalances that cause people to crave alcohol and drugs.

Myth Chronic substance users are “victims” of a disease that can be treated as we treat other diseases: with prescription drugs.

Fact Many of the drugs employed in treatment programs are also potentially addictive psychotropic drugs. They do not correct the underlying biochemical imbalance that led to the substance abuse. Prescription drugs, in fact, have the potential themselves to cause severe brain chemical imbalances, and numerous studies have not shown a benefit for long-term recovery the way nutritional supplements have.

Myth Once you’ve successfully stopped using drugs or alcohol, you have to engage in a constant struggle not to relapse.

Fact Scientific research has shown that substance cravings, mood swings, sleep problems, symptoms of mental disorders, and dysfunctional behaviors are largely driven by biochemical imbalances that disrupt the production of neurotransmitters. Once brain chemistry is restored, former addicts are able to get naturally what the drug was providing them—calm, relaxation, feeling of well-being, energy, positive outlook, and so on. Feeling great dramatically reduces the chance of relapse.

By calling substance problems “diseases” caused by nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs, doctors attempt to treat them with prescription drugs, much as they treat germ-born diseases.This approach produces unacceptable recovery rates, in large part because it’s based on incorrect scientific assumptions about the nature of substance problems and addiction.

www.CEGant.com

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM

Page 9: A Safe, Natural Way to End Addiction

Suggested Interview Questions

1. Why did you write End Your Addiction Now?2. How did you figure out that nutrition was the key to recovery from

substance abuse? 3. What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about

addiction and addicts?4. Most drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs focus on

psychological or spiritual transformation. But you say this approach probably won’t be enough. Why?

5. You call popular antidepressants such as Zoloft “potentially addictive mood altering substances” that don’t solve the primary causes of addiction. How would you counter critics who say that prescription drugs have helped millions cope with the debilitating effects of depression, one of the reasons people turn to drugs and alcohol?

6. Your nutritional approach has had a remarkable 83 percent success rate with addicts. Why aren’t more physicians recommending this approach for substance abusers?

7. Why are we more susceptible to substance abuse than ever before?8. Research shows that some people have genetic predispositions for

alcoholism or drug addiction. Can the Power Recovery Program do anything for them?

9. You recommend pretty big doses of nutritional supplements. Aren’t you just replacing dependence on one kind of pill with dependence on supplements?

10. “Detox” is usually thought of as that period of time when you’re getting the substance you’re abusing out of your body. You take that idea even further. Explain.

11. You say carbohydrates are highly addictive and can disrupt normal brain chemistry. You call it “carboholsim.” But aren’t complex carbohydrates like fruits and grains important for a healthy diet?

12. Why are you concerned about the growing use of Ritalin to treat attention deficit disorder in boys?

The Power Recovery Program, unlike virtually any other drug or alcohol treatment strategy, gives you the tools you need to bring your substance problem under control naturally, often without the need for direct professional intervention. However, consultation with a healthcare professional who is competent in nutritional science can be helpful.

www.CEGant.com

For more info, contact:

CATHY S. LEWIS [email protected] (845) 679-2188CSLEWISPUBLICITY.COM


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