Who can say for sure just what finally sparks long term recovery in chronic relapse substance users. I have known many addicts along the years whose life consists of spurts of dry spells, hanging on for dear life, and then finally and predictably, relapsing.
I’ve been working with a young woman for several years, who fits just that description. Even when having seemingly successful encounters at rehab, she ultimately answered the call (which always rang in the back of her mind) for her DOC, heroin, and sobriety just could not be sustained.
Six months ago, I gave her a Bach Flower questionnaire, to try to determine an appropriate formula for her, put together the combination, and gave her the bottle, directing her to put a few drops in her water bottle and sip all day.
Bach Flower essences were developed by Edward Bach, an English homeopath in the 1930’s, and are waters containing extreme dilutions of flower material. Dr Bach found that the dew on flower petals retain imagined healing properties of that plant. They are an outstanding alternative or complementary treatment that is used for emotional problems and pain.
Bach believed that in the healing of negative emotions comes the healing of the body itself. There are 38 remedies which each addressing a specific negative emotion. The emotions are grouped into seven broad psychological causes of illness:
- Fear
- Uncertainty
- Lack of interest in present circumstances
- Loneliness
- Oversensitivity to influences and ideas
- Sadness or despair
- Cares for others at the expense of self
My client had some success with Avena Sativa tincture as an aid to curb cravings, and various homeopathic remedies over the years, but with no major benchmarks to report. She suffered from apathy, a social disconnect, lack of desire to engage life, and a low affect, as co-conspirators to her addiction. But these Bach Flower remedies (along with her desire and determination) have dramatically changed her spectrum. Her affect has changed from low and monotone, to dynamic and expressive, and she is fully engaging in life, hobbies, and extra-curricular activities, and long ago buried emotions are surfacing and being addressed. We started with using about 18 different flower essences and have changed the formula a few times over the months, deleting the flowers that are no longer necessary. My client tells me she rarely gets cravings anymore, and her life has significantly changed.
Tired of the same old, same old in recovery? Send me a private message and I can help you. www.addictionhomeopath.com