Recovering from addiction is often a long and painful process. Whether it is a cigarette addiction, food addiction, or drug and alcohol addiction; surrounding yourself with a support system can be key in helping you navigate recovery. There are also natural ways to support you during the journey. You can regain the satisfaction of being in control of your desires, cravings and where you derive your satisfaction in life by using the following protocol from Advanced Oil Magic.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”
A TIME article gives scientific evidence that it takes approximately 90 days for “the brain to reset itself and shake off the immediate influence of a drug.” Researchers from Yale University found a gradual re-engaging of proper decision making and analytical functions in the brain’s prefrontal cortex after an addict has abstained for at least 90 days.
Although 90 days is considered the gold standard of treatment, you can’t put a timeline on beating an addiction. Addiction is a life-long enemy, and recovery is a daily battle.
To support you during the 90-day recovery period, and after, try the following protocol for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, you can reevaluate to determine if you will continue or introduce other oils (listed below).
CRAVING CONTROL
Merriam-Webster defines craving as an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing.
What happens in the brain during craving?
In MRIs, completed during induced cravings, it was shown that the parts of the brain involved in food cravings—the hippocampus, caudate and insula—are identical to those involved in drug addiction. The hippocampus is important for memory, which helps reinforce the reward-seeking behavior that causes us to crave. Because essential oils are lipid soluble and small, they can influence the brain by passing from the blood into the brain.
Black Pepper
Rub a drop on bottoms of feet (especially big toes), morning and night.
Primary Benefits:
- Provides antioxidant and digestive support when used internally
- Internal use can support healthy circulation
- Enhances food flavor
- Soothing and satisfying aroma
Grapefruit
Drink 4-8 drops in a glass or stainless steel water bottle throughout the day.
Primary Benefits:
- Improves the appearance of blemishes
- Internal use supports healthy metabolism
- Creates an uplifting environment
Purify
Diffuse 4-6 drops per day
Primary Benefits:
- Refreshes any environment when diffused
- Protects against environmental threats
ACTIVE DISTRACTION
Daily Physical Activity
It is important to distract yourself so you are not constantly thinking about what you have given up. Physical Activity is good for your mind, body and soul! Whether your activity of choice is swimming, walking, running, Yoga, weight lifting, dancing etc., use it to keep your endorphin levels and spirits high.
Mito2Max
Take 2 capsules 30 minutes before physical activity.
Primary Benefits:
- Promotes efficient production of ATP in the mitochondria of cells
- Enhances stamina and efficient use of oxygen
- Supports metabolic adaptation for diverse activities, from movie watching to marathon running
- Improves mental energy
Breathe
Rub 2 drops on your chest before and during physical activity.
Primary Benefits:
- Maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing
- Promotes a restful nights sleep
- Helps minimize the effects of seasonal threats
CONFIDENT REFLECTION
When you face moments of weakness during your recovery, it is important to address it, not simply ignore it. Spend 5-10 minutes on yourself when weakness strikes.
Align
Rub a drop over your heart during moments of weakness.
- Complements effective yoga practice
- Diffuse while setting intentions about self-acceptance, trust, and fluidity
- Helps create a harmonious and calm atmosphere
Visualization
Visualize yourself as whole and complete while using the Align centering blend each day.
Though not part of the Addiction Recovery Protocol provided in Advanced Oil Magic, if you are struggling with recovery and are concerned with weight gain, I recommend adding Lifelong Vitality Supplements and Slim & Sassy to your routine.
LLV
This supplement 3-pack includes xEO Mega, Microplex VMz, and Alpha CRS+. The primary benefits are as follows:
- General wellness and vitality
- Antioxidant and DNA protection
- Energy metabolism
- Bone health
- Immune function
- Stress management
- Cardiovascular health
- Healthy hair, skin, and nails
- Eye, brain, nervous system
- Liver function and digestive health
- Lung and respiratory health
- Gentle on stomach
- Does not contain genetically modified material, dairy-free
Slim & Sassy
Designed to help boost your metabolism and manage hunger cravings when ingested, Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend can be used as part of a weight management plan when combined with exercise and healthy eating.
Slim & Sassy contains Grapefruit, Lemon, Peppermint, Ginger, and Cinnamon.
If you are ready to get started using natural solutions to assist you and support you during recovery, please contact me or visit my website.
ADDITIONAL OILS BY ADDICTION
Drugs
Apply a couple of drops to chest, temples, and bottoms of feet daily; inhale from cupped hands as needed; use a drop under the tongue.
- Copaiba
- Zendocrine
- Frankincense
- Purify
Alcohol
Apply a couple of drops to the back of neck, temples, ears and below chest as often as needed.
- Bergamot
- Hope
- Lemon
- Motivate
Food
Apply 3-5 drops as needed to the abdomen and inside of legs from knees to ankles.
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Coriander
Smoking
Ingest 2-3 drops per day or inhale in cupped hands.
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Zendocrine
If you have another addiction that is not listed here, please contact me and I will be happy to work with you and offer recommendations.
As a reminder: only doTERRA oils with supplement facts on the bottle are safe to take internally.