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We Know How to Treat Opioid Addiction

  • December 05, 2016

Slate magazine’s recent feature on the opioid epidemic provided cutting commentary on the current state of addiction treatment, and confidently proposed solutions that they believe are within reach. Some of their criticisms were valid but their treatment suggestions were reductionist pharmaceutical interventions.

The opioid addiction epidemic can be traced to the overprescribing of pharmaceutical pain killers. This was the inevitable outcome of an allopathic dogma that fixates on symptoms and does not address the underlying cause. The Slate editorial proposed the use of prescription drugs to treat an addiction to prescription drugs. Unfortunately, there is no magical elixir that can end the opiate addiction crisis.

The first step toward resolving the issue would be contrition on the part of the drug industry and prescribing doctors. The mainstream medical establishment must acknowledge that they are responsible for the opioid scourge and embrace a more holistic approach to pain management. Opioids should be viewed as a last resort. There are a number of sensible alternatives that do not involve highly addictive drugs.

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an empowering practice and can provide a drug-free approach to pain management. It borrows from the principles of acupuncture and helps resolve negative emotions that may be exacerbating your physical pain.

Optimizing your health is also crucial. As outlined in my nutrition plan, nourishing whole foods are the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and it is just as important to avoid processed items at all costs. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is an extremely effective exercise strategy that is less time consuming than conventional fitness programs. A final tip is to never underestimate the restorative powers of rejuvenating sleep.