I've been dependent on a lot of substances over the years.

When my brain wasn’t working and I struggled with mental illness, it simply made sense to find immediate relief.

I had to rely on substances outside of myself - even if they weren't good for me - until I found better, long-term, sustainable solutions.

I honestly felt like I had no other choice at the time.

And I know there are a lot of people out there grappling with the same problem.

You may feel like you need something to get through the day.

And then something else to fall asleep at night.

Perhaps that’s alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis or harder substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines.

Or maybe you’re on prescription medication, such as antidepressants or benzodazipenes.

And you just have no idea how you could possibly live without these substances.

I’m here to tell you that you can. And you can thrive.

These 9 nutrients, vitamins and supplements have helped me minimize withdrawal symptoms, overcome my addictions, and get on with my life.

I personally have experience with tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, stimulant, benzodiazepines and antidepressant dependence, addiction and withdrawal.

And even if you don’t struggle with addiction, these nutrients are still great for optimal brain function and mental health.

Cartoon illustration of three people. One has needles stuck in its head. The second has it’s head shaped like a wine bottle. The third’s head is in the shape of an cigarette ash tray and has a cigarette sitting on it.

How Does Nutrition And Supplementation Impact Addiction?

Addiction is not simply a psychological issue.

Historically, most drug treatment programs have included counseling and 12-step approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

But these traditional approaches are not very effective.

In her book Seven Weeks to Sobriety, Dr. Joan Mathews Larsen points to studies showing that AA has a success rate of about 25 per cent.

This is because they address the psychological aspects of addiction without considering the physical aspects of the disease.

And Dr. Charles Gant worked as the physician and psychiatric consultant for the New York State prison system, and dealt with hundreds of drug users and traffickers.

He realized that they wouldn’t overcome their addictions without addressing their physical health:

“Unless the biochemical imbalances which are the true causes of substance problems are corrected, the benefits of psychological counseling will be marginal for most people.”

— Dr. Charles Gant

Addiction is a chronic brain disease. Studies show that drugs physically change the structure and functioning of the brain, and these documented brain changes lead to cravings (96).

And in my experience and research, high-quality bioavailable nutrients are an important aspect of combating and correcting this.

Research shows that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause metabolic imbalances that create addictive cravings (97, 98).

Dr. Roger Williams, an American biochemist who discovered pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), found that rats that were deficient in certain vitamins consumed more alcohol than those that were not vitamin deficient. But once those vitamin deficiencies were fixed, alcohol consumption decreased (99).

Nutritional deficiencies can also cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as fatigue, depression, irritability, and other mental symptoms that block recovery and lead to a relapse.

So, without further ado, let’s get into nutrients and supplements that helped me the most. with my addiction and withdrawal, and explore the research behind them.

1. Citicoline

Citicoline (also known as CDP-Choline) is the most bioavailable form of choline.

Choline is an essential B vitamin that most people don’t consume enough of, because very few foods in the Western diet contain it. That’s why I recommend supplementing with it.

Citicoline has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and enhances the synthesis of acetylcholine and dopamine, which are two neurotransmitters that are critical for optimal brain function. It also increases the number of acetylcholine and dopamine receptors in your brain (2-7).

Overall, citicoline is one of my favourite supplements for optimal brain function and mental health.

And there’s evidence that it helps reduce addiction to drugs (1).

In one study, people previously addicted to cocaine took 500mg of citicoline twice daily for two weeks and experienced a reduction in cravings for the drug (8).

In another study, people with cocaine dependence and bipolar disorder who supplemented with citicoline reduced their cocaine use. Researchers had directed them to not consume cocaine during the study, and at the end of it, the researchers found less cocaine in the urine of the participants (9).

Eggs on a plate. Eggs contain choline, an important nutrient that help you overcome addiction and withdrawal.

Some preliminary research also suggests citicoline could help people with alcohol, cannabis and food addiction (10).

It’s important to point out that many prescription drugs are anticholinergic, meaning they reduce acetylcholine in the brain.

The commonly-prescribed antidepressant Wellbutrin is anticholinergic, meaning it inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine. I took it for multiple years, and I experienced gradual cognitive decline during that time.

Once I got off Wellbutrin, I felt pretty terrible. But once I started supplementing with citicoline, I noticed an improvement in my cognitive function because it increased my levels of acetylcholine and dopamine. I still take it to this day because it helps me focus, improves my mental energy, and clears brain fog.

You can also find some choline in beef liver and egg yolks. That's why I'm a big fan of eating these foods regularly. They’re included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But supplementing with citicoline has a more immediate, noticeable effect.

Citicoline is included in the Optimal Brain supplement.

Make sure you read this article to learn more about the remarkable benefits of Citicoline.

2. Theanine

Theanine is a relaxing amino acid found in tea. It has a number of brain and mental health benefits.

It’s known to produce a calming effect on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the production of both GABA and dopamine in the brain. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medication, it does not cause sedation and drowsiness (13, 14, 15).

As I’ve discussed before, theanine can protect your brain from alcohol, increase your brain’s growth hormone, and lower your stress hormones.

Considering all of this, it’s not too surprising that it has anti-addictive properties and can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Green tea powder. Green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to help people overcome addiction and withdrawal.

According to the research, it’s particularly helpful when it comes to withdrawal from nicotine and opioids (16, 17).

I find that theanine improves my mood, helps me focus and cancels out the jitters of my morning coffee. It’s sort of like meditation in a pill. My mind has a tendency to jump around a lot, and theanine helps me “zero in” on what I’m doing.

However, too much theanine can also make people anxious. This is because theanine increases alpha brain waves, and I found out that very high alpha brain waves can actually cause anxiety as well. I usually take just 200 mg, but you should experiment and see how much you can tolerate.

You can also get theanine from black and green tea. But there’s usually not enough theanine in them to have a dramatic effect. That’s why I supplement with pure theanine.

Theanine is available in this anti-anxiety supplement, along with a number of other natural compounds that have helped me manage my anxiety over the years.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce itself.

They are found primarily in fish and are necessary for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system (18).

They can support your mitochondria and increase your brain’s growth hormone, and have been shown to improve mood, sleep, learning and memory. They also protect against psychiatric disorders including depression, mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (19-21).

Krill oil softgels. Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important nutrients that can help you overcome addiction and withdrawal.

Considering all this, it’s not too surprising them that omega-3 fatty acids can also help addicts and reduce their withdrawal symptoms.

Research shows that increased anxiety is one of the primary reasons why substance abusers and alcoholics tend to relapse (23, 24).

And one study found that giving omega-3 fatty acids to substance abusers significantly reduced their anxiety (22).

Smokers have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and treatment with fish significantly reduces their level of dependence (25, 28).

Other studies have shown that omega-3 supplements reduce cravings for nicotine and reduce the number of cigarettes people smoke daily (26, 27).

Researchers have also studied the relapse rates of cocaine addicts discharged after a period of detoxification. And they found that the cocaine addicts who relapsed had significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to addicts who didn’t relapse (29).

Lastly, in abstinent alcoholics, elevated omega-3 intake reduces stress and cortisol, and omega-3 fatty acids significantly lower the desire for alcohol in mice (30, 31).

“These bipolar mice, like some bipolar patients, love alcohol. The mice on DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) drank much less; it curtailed their alcohol abusive behavior. There is now substantial evidence at the molecular level that omega-3 fatty acids work on the brain in ways similar to psychiatric drugs.”

— Dr. Alexander B. Niculescu, M.D., Ph.D.

Unfortunately, most people don't consume enough omega-3 fatty acids through their diet. That’s why I recommend people supplement with krill oil, a special kind of fish oil that contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids. I find that I have a brighter outlook on life when I take krill oil consistently.

4. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of the amino acid carnitine.

It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects, and as I’ve discussed before, it can support your mitochondria, protect your brain from alcohol, and help you overcome brain fog.

It can also reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

In one study, alcoholic patients treated with ALCAR stayed sober for longer because it reduced their cravings (48).

ALCAR can also help treat opiate addiction and withdrawal.

Thirty subjects with methadone dependence were given 2 grams of ALCAR daily during a 3-week detoxification period, and it reduced their pain and the length of their withdrawal (49).

And research in rats shows that ALCAR can significantly decrease alcohol consumption and reduce the onset of tremors during alcohol withdrawal. Researchers concluded that it should be considered in the treatment of alcohol dependence (50).

ALCAR gives me a huge boost in mental energy and resilience. It sort of feels like drinking a cup of coffee, so it’s helpful if you want to stop or reduce your intake of caffeine.

It's included in the Optimal Brain supplement.

Make sure you read this article to learn more about the remarkable benefits of ALCAR.

5. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) and/or Glutathione

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine.

As I’ve discussed before, it can help treat several mental illnesses.

But it can also reduce addiction and cravings during withdrawal (32-34, 41, 42, 45):

In a small study, 13 people abstaining from cocaine were given NAC or placebo over two days. The participants who received NAC witnessed a significant reduction in their withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cocaine. Follow-up studies also showed that NAC reduced desire and interest in cocaine (35-37).
Smokers voluntarily reduced their cigarette use by around 25% after two weeks of supplementing with NAC (38, 39).
Young marijuana users claiming to be addicted to marijuana supplemented with NAC twice daily for four weeks and experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms of addiction (43, 44).
And it’s not just addiction to drugs. NAC also shows promise for the treatment of gambling addiction. A randomized control trial with 27 pathological gamblers showed that gamblers who supplemented with NAC scored 60% lower on the “Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling." (40).

NAC is also the precursor to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant, which can help fight addiction.

Chronic use of drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol, can lead to the formation of oxidative stress (47).

Oxidative stress can change neuronal pathways and cause addictive behaviour. But glutathione can reduce oxidative stress and therefore decrease the development of addiction (46).

NAC is included in Optimal Antiox, along with a number of other antioxidants and nutients that can help you overcome addiction and manage withdrawal.

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun.

A cartoon sun, and it says Vitamin D in the middle of it. Vitamin D supplements can help you overcome addiction and withdrawal, especially if your levels are low.

Every tissue in your body has vitamin D receptors, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system.

This means your entire body needs it to function properly and a deficiency can lead to costly physiological and psychological consequences, including addiction.

Researchers have concluded that chronic vitamin D deficiency is an environmental factor contributing to drug use. And supplementation should be considered for the effective treatment of drug abuse and addiction (51-54).

Other studies have discovered that:

Vitamin D protects against the dopamine-depleting effects of methamphetamine (52-54);
There is also a positive association between vitamin D deficiency and severity of alcohol-use disorders (55); and
Patients prescribed narcotic pain medication – such as morphine, fentanyl or oxycodone – end up having to take higher doses if they are deficient in vitamin D (56).

I take a Vitamin D supplement every day to optimize my levels.

It's important to test and monitor your Vitamin D levels before and after supplementing with it.

7. Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral that participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. This includes neurotransmitter and hormonal activity, both of which can have a huge effect on your mood and brain function.

Magnesium is one of the three nutrients that I think everyone should be taking for their brain, as most people are deficient.

The mineral has been shown to decrease dependence on opiates, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine and alcohol, and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms when stopping these drugs (84).

Spinach. Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help you beat addiction and withdrawal.

It can also lower relapse rates, particularly with cocaine and amphetamine addicts (84).

And researchers have concluded that magnesium supplementation can decrease nicotine addiction in heavy smokers.

It does this by naturally improving the stimulation of the reward system, which reduces the need for stimulation by nicotine or by others addictive substances (85).

Studies have also found that magnesium deficiency is very common in people dealing with alcohol addiction and withdrawal. And supplementing with magnesium diminishes withdrawal complications, reduces the severity of their withdrawal symptoms, and lowers their need for anti-anxiety medication (86, 87).

Foods that contain magnesium include spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate and bananas.

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But supplementation or taking Epsom salt baths is still necessary for most people because magnesium is rapidly used up during times of stress and certain psychiatric drugs can deplete magnesium.

Magnesium is included in this supplement.

8. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for mental health, especially if you struggle with chronic anxiety.

It can also help treat addiction and withdrawal.

Excessive urinary excretion of zinc and zinc deficiency have been found in drug addicts. And researchers recommend zinc supplementation to treat addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms (70, 71).

Oysters contain lots of zinc, another important mineral that can ease withdrawal symptoms and help you overcome addiction.

Research shows that opioid users have lower levels of zinc (72-75).

And in the case of alcoholism, alcohol is known to deplete zinc from the body. Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can produce a downward spiral in which zinc deficiency causes chronic stress, driving a person to drink more alcohol, which further depletes zinc and causes more anxiety in the long run.

In animals, zinc reduces the intensity of morphine dependence, and zinc chelators worsen withdrawal symptoms (76, 77, 78).

Some of the best food sources of zinc include oysters, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, mushrooms and spinach.

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

However, I still recommend at least short-term zinc supplementation to ensure you get enough.

I created and take the Optimal Zinc supplement for that reason.

9. Vitamin C

It might seem unbelievable but there is research demonstrating vitamin C’s usefulness in overcoming addiction and reducing withdrawal symptoms.

First of all, vitamin C levels are significantly lower in drug addicts (68).

And high doses of vitamin C have been shown to increase endorphin levels, decrease opioid use, and reduce the withdrawal syndrome of heroin addicts (58).

Citrus fruits in the shape of the letter C. Vitamin C is another nutrient and supplement that can help you overcome addiction and withdrawal.

The chronic administration of vitamin C can also prevent the development of tolerance and physical dependence on morphine (59, 69).

When I weened off psychiatric medication, I took large doses of vitamin C every day. By large doses, I mean about 10 grams spread throughout the day. I noticed it reduced stress and helped calm me down.

Various studies show that vitamin C reduces stress and anxiety and decreases the severity of depression (62-67).

And other research shows that long-term vitamin C deficiency contributes to nervousness and emotional instability. And there was a 35% reduction in mood disturbance in hospitalized patients after vitamin C treatment (60, 61).

Foods that contain vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But it’s best to supplement with it. That way, you know you’re getting enough.

Vitamin C is included in this supplement.

Others

Here are some other nutritional supplements to consider. Based on my research and experience, these nutrients can help manage addiction and withdrawal, but they aren’t as effective as the other ones above and/or there is less research to support their use:

Lithium Orotate (79)
Taurine (80)
B Vitamins (82)
Glutamine (83)
DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) (81) – I almost included this one in the main list because it has really helped me, but there isn’t too much research on it. I originally wrote about it here.
D-Serine/Sarcosine (88-95)

Conclusion

Just like mental illness, you can beat addiction. They often go hand in hand.

I’ve learned with time, and with the proper information and resources, people can snap out of their addiction cycle and be happy and calm with themselves without mind-altering drugs and habits.

You may feel like you have no other choice, but you do. You can get on with your life without addictive substances.

Overall, I really believe in the power of these nutrients for tackling addiction and minimizing withdrawal symptoms: