5-HTP for Alcohol Addiction
★★★★★
(Houston, Texas, United States)
04/18/2012
Before you start taking anything, you should really consult with a doctor and your pharmacist. You really don't know what effects those pills will have on your body, and you don't want to risk an addiction to something else. I don't know exactly what 5-HTP is, but I would hate it if it was addictive and you were just replacing your alcohol addiction for another addiction. Another option is to go to school to become a pharmacist yourself.
(Brea, Ca)
12/27/2012
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia). Don't use 5-HTP until more is known. 5-HTP might be UNSAFE.
Some people who have taken it have come down with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition involving extreme muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia). Some people think the EMS might be caused by an accidental ingredient (contaminant) in some 5-HTP products. But there is not enough scientific evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, a contaminant, or some other factor. Until more is known, avoid taking 5-HTP.
(Las Vegas, Nv Nevada)
12/28/2012
I have had awesome results with 5HTP, pulled me out of one of the deepest, darkest, depressions I have ever experienced with no side effects. Having said that if you are concerned about taking 5HTP consult with your health practitioner. A good alternative is regular tryptophan at perhaps a 500mg starting dosage.
It is quite likely that the few people who reported negative side effects all have similar "preexisting conditions" which could involve stuff like unhealthy food and/or food additives & substitutes, pharmaceutical drugs, and any number of toxic syndromes and conditions all common in the modern world. An older age group would also be more likely to show neg side effects.
(San Francisco, Usa)
12/11/2013
I have used 5-HTP to address depression for years. The major side-effect is getting too tired (when at work, for example) So I'd take less. 100mg is a good starter dosage and work up to 200mg taken 2X per day. It's already in your body, just some people have lower levels. There's no harm in taking it. 5-HTP is a chemical compound that is naturally produced in your body as it makes serotonin, an important hormone for regulating your mood.
5-HTP would be best taken in the late evening as it also fuels the pineal gland to produce Melatonin (which causes the drowsiness). To improve or elevate the mood in the morning and also improve energy production, take 500-1000mg L-Tyrosine. Tyrosine boost dopamine, which, like serotonin, regulates mood. Tyrosine may be contraindicated for those w/ high blood pressure.
(Barrie, Canada)
12/12/2013
For those with serotonin syndrome: don't take 5-HTP! You will end up ion serious trouble.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(Hartford, Wi)
05/22/2012
Do you think it would work for sexual addictions too?
(Tahoma, Ca)
01/29/2013
What is the recommended dosage you take? Thank you. =}
(Tennessee)
07/06/2015
Hello there! I use to have pica so badly my gums would bleed. I used a really good iron supplement for 2 months before it went away.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(Mission Viejo Ca.)
09/23/2017
★★★★★
I agree, every time after drinking a little Apple Cider Vinegar and I have a smoke, it tastes like crap.
Caffeine
★★★★★
I also ate a sublingual B12 (with B6/Folic Acid) yesterday and today.
It was pretty miraculous. No horrible back of the neck headache yesterday. No thumping heart at night. Napped in the afternoon. Slept like a baby at night. Woke up up today with a clear mind. I am hoping I can get through today without caffeine withdrawal as well. I am not sure which of these remedies permitted me to kick caffeine overnight, but one of them did.
The last couple of days I have also been drinking a couple of teaspoons of apple cider vinegar twice a day. If you are trying to kick caffeine, this works, instantaneously. Thank you Sally.
(St. Louis, Missouri)
10/30/2016
★★★★★
I can say that Black Strap Molasses absolutely works for caffeine withdrawal. I drink several cups of coffee per day and had no intention of stopping my coffee habit today, however, after using BSM in a smoothie upon waking to treat menstrual cramps...I realized that I didn't have any desire to even drink a cup of coffee. Wow, so not only did I not have any coffee today (again, usually 3-4 cups daily) I did not have a headache what so ever!!! This is incredible. I'm going to see how it goes tomorrow as well. Oh and btw...no cramps at all for the last 2 days...wow...this is wonderful.
Caffeine
Even though it is not a supplement, I think a discussion/section on the benefits of quiting caffeine would be terribly interesting on this site, as it affects many of the very same things people are using Apple Cider Vinegar for. Its amazing how removing things from your diet can be just as healthful as adding certain supplements or remedies. One main book I recommend is CAFFEINE BLUES, by Stephen Cherniske. The book was extremely helpful to me, and I'm not saying all this to recommend the book, but I would love to see caffeine discussion on the site. What do you think?
(Cork, Ireland)
01/03/2011
Congratulations on kicking the addiction: may strength be with you. I gave up black tea years ago as I was drinking it all day every day. After 9 years, I picked up a packet of tea in the supermarket, thinking after all this time it wouldn't hurt. Wrong! Back to square one. It's a difficult addiction as it's an accepted part of life worldwide. Anyway, to get over the tea addiction the second time around, I took to drinking coffee - and got addicted to that. There's no easy way: I had to put caffeine down and leave it down for good. I'm free now, from the prison of addiction. I sleep well, have clear skin and I am not shackled to the obssessional thinking about the subject I was addicted to. Good Luck and God Bless everyone who is taking the road to freedom from addiction. Sister of Wolves
Catnip
★★★★★
It might take away the shakes / anxiety. Make sure to only get Organic Catnip Herb, like from Frontier if in the US. You can get a pound for $22. as with all Herbs, there is warnings mentioned in this article.
The only problem is Catnip loses it's potency unless you can seal it up good, so maybe a pound is too much unless you have a lot of cats.
https://hunzaart.com/2025/08/08/top-health-benefits-of-catnip-tea-sleep-stress-digestion/
https://www.vitacost.com/frontier-co-op-organic-catnip-herb
Co-Dependency
I guess this is a form of addiction and I did check out the addiction page, but was wondering if EC would start a new page for CO-DEPENDANCY to draw attention to the subject.There is not much info when you google it as far as herbs, vitamins or minerials as treatments.
So if anyone has any suggestion, Ted or Joyce it will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You
EC: Hi Phil, for now we're going to keep this one on the addiction page!
(Arcata, California)
10/23/2009
To Phil from Dearing, GA:
Homeopathic medicine (a specific discipline) deals with psychological problems as well as physical. It's not an easy learn, and usually takes a person trained in the discipline to diagnose and treat specifics. If you have a health food store or herb shop in town, they may be able to point you in the right direction. If not, back to the computer....
Peace, Sharik
(Houston, Tx)
10/23/2009
I would look into Bach's flower remedies.... There are books available to help you narrow down your remedies, as well as info on the web. The descriptions can be vague but you will probably find one or two that seem to hit home....they are usually available at health food stores. The biggest "health food" store chain also has a coupon going for $3 off (last time I checked--the website for this coupon is mambo sprouts)...
I have personally had alot of success with Bach's flower remedies for emotional/psychological issues so I hope this helps.
Good luck.
(Fort Wayne, Indiana)
11/22/2016
There is a really GREAT Book that has been out for years now called: Co-Dependent no more, and they have a 2nd version out as well. Read and do as it tells you. What happens is we begin to put undo pressure on our partners, and they get resentful because ultimately, You are the only person responsible for your own Happiness. Some people will think I'm nuts but I really believe, and I have seen it work: is if everyone went to Alcoholics Anonymous and worked the 12 Steps to the best of your ability, You will be an entirely new and better version of yourself. It is not a room ful of low lifes, they are normal every Day folks of all ages, creeds, Colors, Religions or not, Gay, Straight whatever. In those rooms, No-One is different from another. We are all addicted to something or someone. I used to suffer the same thing as you, Not any more. MY LIFE IS THE BEST IT HAS EVER BEEN TODAY and I am quite happy to be by myself. No-one does for me what I can do for myself today. I choose to be in a relationship. It is not necessary that I be in one. Give it a try. You do not have to talk if you do not want to. Just pass. Be sure you go to OPEN MEETINGS. Call your local AA Hotline and get the schedule.
Cold Shower Therapy
★★★★★
(Long Beach, Ca)
04/20/2012
★★★★★
Iggy Pop was totally strung out in the late 70s, using needles, heroine, speed, and being Iggy. He lived in Venice with Danny Sugarman who wrote about this in his memoir Wonderland Ave. Every morning Iggy would rise before the sun and dive into the cold blue Pacific Ocean. Iggy also alludes to this in I want more, but it was clearly his salvation but as yu not PE , apparently extreme for Sugarman whom nearly died fron excess not long after he and Pop were roommates.
Hydrotherapy is an amazing way to bring your ethereal body into alignment. The cold water you shower in does shock the skin and senses but it's hardly an ordeals used the cold shower thing to survive many a hangover, calm my jagged nerves and to restore color to my flesh. French women swear that cold water keeps their breast saluting the sun and it I'd keep me perky long after I should had sagged. As I got older and cleaned up my act, I no longer did the cold shower thing so much. I love my baths but just had my old tub fitted with a shower, I have been depressed after a series of horrible events and need to pull myself together to keep going. I think th cold shower, FGHP WMD mor sun &'exerscise will bring me back. Thanks for the memory.
Cymbalta
EC: Cymbalta is a prescription medication used for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
(Seattle, WA)
07/04/2009
Dave - You don't say why you are taking Cymbalta or what symptoms you have, but I'm going to take a stab in the dark here and describe my situation in hopes that it helps you. I've suffered from depression on and off for over 20 years. I've taken some depression meds without success, seen several doctors without success.
What I have come to realize is that depression is a symptom caused or related to many other problems and I and my allopathic doctors have been trying to treat a symptom and not the root cause. In other words, depression is my body's way of telling me that there is something wrong and using meds or counseling to get happy will never resolve the underlying issue.
Note that I have only recently come to this conclusion and mostly because of the brave people on EarthClinic. I've found that their descriptions of their issues are similar to mine and have helped me to narrow down the cause of my depression, hypothyroidism. Which I have suspected for years.
So what does this mean? Am I saying that you have a hypothyroid issue? No. Am I saying that you should become a hypochondriac and assume that every illness is causing your depression? No.
What I am saying is take a step back from the depression issues and look at your entire body. Ask yourself, what else is going on that you might have ignored or brushed off? What do you recognize about yourself in the symptoms described by someone else? Is there something familiar for you?
For me, the symptoms of hypothyroidism stood out like a sore thumb when reading other people's experience. I found myself saying, wow, I feel like that too, but had forgotten about it, had just accepted that experience of myself or more importantly, failed to realize how connected all of the symptoms and the body's organs and functions are to each other. I will never look at an illness symptom in the same way ever again.
Now I'm going to get those levels checked out and have been trying to address some of the underlying issues of hypothyroidism (iodine deficiency, etc.)
What's funny about me going down this path and looking into thyroid issues, is that I came to EarthClinic to learn more about Apple Cider Vinegar and it's effectiveness for weight loss and acne, not depression or thyroid issues. I didn't make the mental connection that weight gain is caused/related to an underactive thyroid until I got to EarthClinic. When I read other people's symptoms related to iodine deficiency, it all clicked for me because it was like someone was describing my daily experience. Intuitively, I knew all along, but needed that confirmation. With additional research, I now know exactly what I need to do and what I need to ask for from my doctor or what I need to do on my own to resolve this.
So be patient, listen and trust yourself. Every day, your body is trying to tell you what is wrong and what it needs. You have to be open to receiving and acknowledging the messages.
Hope this helps.
(Mumbai, India)
01/17/2013
See if there's a pattern - when or what accompanies it. For me few hours of hunger tends to kick in depression.
EFT for Coca Cola Addiction
★★★★★
General Feedback
For one thing, when I went back to smoking, I smoked natural tobacco only---none of the 2000 extra chemicals they add to make it more addictive. And then on the day I quit, I also quit coffee, caffeinated tea and all carbonated drinks. (I never drank many carbonated drinks anyway, but added it to my list). I put on patches. I know it sounds radical, but I was amazed. No real cravings. No caffeine headache. No sleep disorder. No mood swings. No 3 days of hell. Chewed a couple of pieces of nicotine gum in the first couple of days, but after 6 days I realized I had forgotten to put on the patch and never used another one. Don't know if any of this has any cause and effect to it. All I know is that it has been 2 months. I haven't gained a pound, am not smoking, or using caffeine and feel better than I have felt for a very long time. Once in awhile, when I am in a very stressful place, I will chew a piece of gum 20 times and spit it out. But those times have only occurred maybe 10 times in 2 months. Hope it helps someone out there.
Horsetail Extract
★★★★★
Try Horsetail extract which contains Silica complex. This can make you kick the habit within a week.
Hydrogen Peroxide
★★★★★
Ted
(Wales)
01/16/2014
This is not a ''free e book!! '' It takes you to a link to buy it!! It's basically information that's on EC and other H202 site's for free! And it's ;add 1 drop of 3% diluted foo grade h2o2 ( 1 amount of food grade hydrogen peroxide added to 11 times the same amount of distilled (only!! No other water!! ) water=3% h2o2.
And what the author did was.....follow this dosing table and these instructions here as below
''The Dr Williams dosing protocol for hydrogen peroxide dosing schedule : (H202)
Day # -Number of Drops/ Times Per Day
1 - 3 / 3
2 - 4 / 3
3 - 5 / 3
4 - 6 / 3
5 - 7 / 3
6 - 8 / 3
7 - 9 / 3
8 - 10 / 3
9 - 12 / 3
10 - 14 / 3
11 - 16 / 3
12 - 18 / 3
13 - 20 / 3
14 - 22 / 3
15 - 24 / 3
16 - 25 / 3
Maintenance Dosage
In most situations after the above 21 day program, the amount of H202 can be tapered off gradually as follows:
25 drops once every other day for 1 week
25 drops once every third day for 2 weeks
25 drops once every fourth day for 3 weeks
This can then be reduced to between 5 and 15 drops per week based on how one feels. Those with more serious problems will often benefit from staying on 25 drops three times a day for one to three weeks, then tapering down to 25 drops two times daily until the problem is resolved (possibly as long as six months). Those with chronic systemic Candidiasis may need to start with 1 drop three times a day, then 2 drops three times a day before starting the above schedule. It is important that H202 be taken on an empty stomach. This is best accomplished by taking it either one hour before meals or three hours after meals. If there is food in the stomach, the reaction of H202 on any bacteria present may cause excess foaming, indigestion, and possibly even vomiting. Additionally, some animal research indicates that when H202 given orally combines with iron and small amounts of vitamin C in the stomach, hydroxyl radicals are created (J Inorg Biochem 89;35(1):55-69). The bleach-like aftertaste of H202 can be lessened by chewing one of the sugar-free cinnamon gums. Some individuals taking H202 immediately before bedtime have a difficult time getting to sleep. This is probably due to a sense of alertness triggered by an increase of oxygen at the cellular level. The oral dosage schedule is basically the same for all conditions. There are several points to keep in mind, however.
Some individuals may experience upset stomach. If this occurs it is recommended that one not stop the program, but rather remain at the current dosage level or reduce it to the previous level until the problem stops. (Some patients have been able to solve the nausea problem by taking three or four lecithin capsules at the same time they take the H202.) During the program it's not uncommon to experience what is known as a healing crisis. As dead bacteria and toxins are released from your body it may temporarily exceed your capacity to eliminate them quickly enough. In some individuals this overload may cause fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, skin eruptions, cold or flu-like symptoms, and/or nausea. One should not discontinue using the peroxide to stop this cleansing. By continuing the program, toxins will clear the body sooner and this healing crisis will pass rather quickly.
If you are not already taking vitamin E and an acidophilus product, I recommend starting them before going on H202. Vitamin E can make more efficient use of any oxygen available and acidophilus will help re-establish the beneficial bacterial flora in the lower bowel and also help in the internal production of hydrogen peroxide.
LOVE ANDREA C XXXXX
Hydrogen Peroxide
★★★★★
First I created a bowl of water, mixed 3%, over the counter peroxide in, then I used the cap to pour it up my nose. It burned since I didn't have distilled water at that time. Using the distilled water won't sting. Within 5 mins. the vibrations had stopped. I was able to breathe through my left nostril for the first time in months. Then I pored some in my left ear. I experienced vertigo, never had that before. But, it did tell me I was dealing with an ear infection. The vibrations stopped. It has been 24 hrs since I started the treatments. When the vibrating starts, I know it's time for another dose.
I also created the spray for my throat and added some to my water. It is amazing how much clearer my airways are. I can also see a very small improvement in my vision. I've been told that I need cataract surgery. Hopefully all of this will help that clear up some too. And! I have had a hugh reduction in my desire for a cigarette. I've smoked 15 cigs. today, whereas I normally smoke 2 packs. I just haven't wanted one. Amazing. I believe the infection is coming from a tooth, so I've also started rising my mouth with HP. At least it is giving me some relief until I can get to the doctor. I will continue use and I will keep you posted. I'm also passing your web address to family and friends. Hopefully they will check you out. Thank you so much for your site and I am so grateful for all the people who have taken the time to share the experiences.
Hypnosis
★★★★★
The stats are:
Cold turkey alone: 5% success. Patches or gums: 25% success. Pills: 25%
Hypnosis: 65% success rate. Why? Because the subconcious mind controls much of what we do! It worked SO well for me, I went back to quit drinking alcohol two weeks after and haven't wanted a drink since. And I was pretty hard core! I also addressed my intimacy issues and shortly after, entered into a loving relationship with the most wonderful man I've ever dated who wants to marry me and have the family I always dreamed of. I always dreamed of being cherished this way. But due to my mental blocks of not deserving love, I kept kissing toads. Over and over for 10 years. To find my prince I had to remove my mental blocks. And that worked so well, that I asked her to help me get back to my creative passions, which I'd let slip by the roadside 15 years ago. I shortly after took up sculpting again. She was able to address two issues at once, so all these changes took only three separate sessions. One for smoking. One for relationship and quitting drinking. Then I went back for creative inspiration. Good luck. ES
PS I am not into new-age groups or fads in general, nor have I ever before spent money on any consultation. But I knew I needed help to quit smoking and patches didn't work for me. So that's why I finally decided to try hypnosis, since a few people I know used it and quit permanently and truly easily. I was not disappointed, my whole life is so much better now. I feel free. Finally. ES
(Newton, Nj)
10/05/2010
Quit drinking with hypnosis
Hi, I want to share what worked for me. Please also see my post for quitting smoking cigarettes since I cannot post the whole story all over again, but in it I share the entire experience. Suffice to say I drank a lot. I am a petite lady and drank as much as a magnum bottle of wine all by myself in a day, and drank very heavily several days a week. It was a pretty bad thing. I quit smoking with hypnosis and then realized I'd better quit the booze too. I'm 36 years old by the way, and began drinking at age 15. Anyway, after one session with a hypnotherapist, I haven't had a drink since. It's been about 3 months and I have no desire to drink. I don't want it. And good thing I quit cause I met the man of my dreams shortly after and I know darn well it would never have worked out if I hadn't quit drinking prior to meeting him. Because A) I would have sabotaged it in a drunken stupor and B) His dad was a nasty drunk so he can't stand dating alcoholics. His ex used to flip out in nasty drunken dramatics and he couldn't stomach it. Anyway, if you are having trouble stopping drinking, you may wish to try a reputable hypnotherapist. I no longer drink nor smoke, nor do I want to. I enjoy my life free and happy. No longer chained to addictive habits that are self-abusive. Good luck
(Madison, Wi)
10/05/2010
