Mood Disorders and Substance Abuse Disorders

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders result from multiple factors. These include neurotransmitter imbalances, nutritional imbalances, and emotional traumas and stresses. Each of these factors must be addressed for effective treatment. An ideal treatment protocol combines psychotherapy, treatment of the specific biochemical and neurotransmitter imbalances, and nutritional counseling.

Allopathic physicians primarily use SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to treat depression. But not all depression is due to a serotonin deficiency. For individuals with other neurotransmitter imbalances (i.e. dopamine, GABA, epinephrine), these drugs won't effectively treat symptoms.

Effective treatment of any mood or mental disorder requires testing of the neurotransmitter levels. This allows accurate and specific treatment of the imbalances using dietary suggestions and nutritional supplements.

Treatment Options

Each protocol is individualized to the patient's specific needs and situation. Common therapies used include:

• Herbs
• Nutritional supplements
• Homeopathy
• Lifestyle counseling
• Dietary counseling
• Shamanic treatments
• Counseling referrals

I strongly encourage all of the patients treated for mood and substance abuse disorders to utilize psychotherapy in their healing process.

Digestive and Dietary Factors

In addition to neurotransmitter imbalances, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders often contribute to mood disorders and symptoms. Improper digestion and absorption of foods decreases the nutrients required for neurotransmitter production.

When poorly digested food remains in the intestinal tract for too long, fermentation occurs. This fermentation process produces a variety of unhealthy byproducts. Fatigue, lack of concentration, poor memory, insomnia, and musculoskeletal pain can all be caused by improper digestion.

Improper diet also contributes to mood disorders. High intakes of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and refined carbohydrates disrupt the neurotransmitter balance. Craving these foods often indicates an underlying imbalance. Nutritional counseling is always a part of any Naturopathic protocol addressing mood disorders.

Substance Abuse Disorders

Substance abuse disorders develop as a result of biochemical imbalances, environmental and social factors, and mental/ emotional factors. Each individual with a substance abuse disorder is unique. However, each abused substance targets specific areas in the human body and therefore, common imbalances exist among abusers of a similar substance. With that said, each individual is affected differently based on length and quantity of use, past health history, and current lifestyle choices.

When multiple substances are used at once, the picture becomes more complicated and diverse. I use a combination of patient health history, lab testing, and mood questionnaires to determine the appropriate treatment protocol for each individual.

In addition to repairing neurotransmitter and nutritional imbalances, I prescribe a detoxification protocol to remove stored toxins. These stored toxins cause a variety of symptoms including: insomnia, fatigue, muscle pain, brain fog, poor memory,and joint pain. Many of these symptoms improve and disappear with the removal of the toxins. The removal of these symptoms helps with recovery because these symptoms are frequently the motivation behind the substance abuse.

Assessment

Assessment of your mood disorder is determine both by subjective information (what you say) and objective information (exams and lab tests). I utilize standard blood tests, comprehensive stool tests, and urinary neurotransmitter tests, to determine cause and treatment. Some of these tests are not covered by insurance and range from $90-$250.

Corporate Packages

The NIX NICOTINE Program

I offer a corporate program to help employees quit smoking. The benefits of smoking cessation for individuals include a longer and healthier life, and saving on the cost of cigarettes. The company benefits include decreased healthcare costs, increased productivity, and increased overall morale.

If you or your company are interested in this program, please contact me by phone (802-254-4369) or email dr.rlang@thehealingway.net and I will send you the information packet.