Maine Integrative Wellness | Addiction Services

Alcohol and other drug abuse is the number one public health issue in the United States today. But addictions are not limited to mind altering substances. Addictions can show up in our everyday behavior, in the shape of obsessive work, (countless hours at the office), smoking, preoccupation with our appearance, or an obsessive need to shop. For many it is food, sex, or gambling. For others it may be a persistent pattern of negative thinking or self-sabotaging low self-esteem.

This way of being can and does lead to lifestyle-related psychological and physical illness. Alcohol, drugs and other addictive behaviors may also cause great harm to our spirit, leaving us doubting or even losing faith in life, rendering us unable to actively participate in our normal daily activities.

All of these are treatable without toxic pharmaceutical drugs. Correcting brain chemical imbalances, detoxification and dietary adjustments, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Transpersonal Therapies are all powerful tools that have proven safe and effective in breaking addictions.

Referrals to residential (in-patient) detoxification facilities can be made as required. Desert Canyon, in Sedona, Arizona, utilizes a similar drug-free, non-toxic protocol with a very high rate of success.

For more information, email Bonnie-Kate Allen, MA LADC at info@maineintegrativewellness.com

Detoxification

People who use alcohol excessively are particularly susceptible to toxicity because of their high intake of sugar in alcohol. High sugar provides a receptive environment for the growth of intestinal fungi. The liver becomes compromised as it is the primary organ responsible for detoxifying the blood. The harder the liver has to work to detoxify the alcohol, the more it suffers, leading to fatty liver, cirrhosis and finally liver failure. Poor nutrition, common with excessive alcohol use, can also set the stage for opportunistic viral and other infections and various debilitating degenerative diseases. Learn more »

Symptoms of Toxicity

The Function of Brain Chemicals

A healthy brain produces precise amounts of neurotransmitters, which are specific chemicals and hormones that keep the brain and body working properly to create a positive, anxiety-free attitude and feeling of well-being. The use of alcohol and other mind-altering drugs interferes with the production of many of these chemicals causing imbalances. Depletion and unbalancing of brain chemicals can also be a result of a lack of, or poor digestion and assimilation of key amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids, or it may even be genetically induced. Proper balance of these chemicals is crucial to sustaining a strong, healthy body and a healthy mind. Many addictions and psychological disorders are caused by such neurotransmitter imbalances and readily respond when balance is restored.

At MIW, we evaluate neurotransmitter imbalances with laboratory testing and treat them with detoxification, individually designed dietary interventions and amino acid and other supplementation . This approach produces a faster, more effective and lasting successful outcome and has proven superior to conventional treatment protocols.