Five Helpful Supplements for Drug Rehab Patients

Clinical rehab is the best way for most drug addicts to get clean, but a variety of herbal and nutritional supplements can help them endure detox, complete treatment, and stay sober for life. Certain combinations of herbs, plant extracts, and essential nutrients are extremely helpful for relaxing and maintaining physical health. However, it can be difficult to determine which products work and which ones don’t because many claims of benefit are unsupported by anything but anecdotal evidence. The following are 5 supplements that are known to offer significant value to people in any stage of recovery.

1. Valerian Root

Valerian is a sedative herbal supplement which has been used been since ancient times to treat insomnia, tension, and chronic stress. The roots of the plant are dried and crushed into a powder which is then placed into capsules or tea bags for easy consumption.

Researchers have found that Valerian contains a neurotransmitter which inhibits various processes in the nervous system. This property has made it useful for many rehab patients seeking relief from anxiety and hysteria. It can be especially useful during detox, when rehab patients often experience their worst bouts of insomnia and depression.

2. Peppermint

People use peppermint extract to alleviate the symptoms of a wide variety of ailments, from the common cold to digestive problems. Similar to Valerian root, it can be helpful for drug rehab because of its mild sedative effects. Taken in combination with other relaxants such as chamomile, it may help depressed patients feel more calm and content. This is especially important for addicts suffering from Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome – a painful post-detox condition which frustrates the recovery efforts of most rehab patients.

3. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been studied inconsistently for the last several decades, but doctors are now conducting more controlled trials to determine its potential effects on liver health. People have used it for hundreds of years to treat a variety of liver-related ailments such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. Some rehab patients use milk thistle in attempts to cleanse their blood during detox and avoid further liver damage from drinking or drug use.

4. Multivitamin

A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for recovery purposes, but many people have trouble consuming sufficient vitamins and minerals through food alone. Getting these nutrients may be even more important for recovering addicts than for other people, since their bodies are typically in states of repair and recovery. A quality multivitamin supplement can help rehab patients cover their nutritional bases for a very low price.

5. Fish Oil

Some addiction researchers believe that poor diets can lead to addiction and hamper recovery. The typical American diet is particularly deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids – nutrients which support clear skin, lean body composition, and healthy brain functioning. The cognitive benefits are particularly helpful for rehab patients, and a recent study even showed that mice had reduced desires for alcohol after being given Omega-3 supplements. However, getting these healthy fats from food can be difficult, as they are usually found in salmon, grass-fed meat, and other expensive products. Fish oil is a far cheaper way for people to ensure a steady intake.

Supplements can be beneficial during addiction recovery, but they can’t take the place of proven clinical therapies. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, call the number at the top of your screen now for an immediate, confidential consultation, and take the first steps toward the rest of your life.