Coping in today's world is not an easy thing. The pace of life is fast and stress comes in many forms. Many turn to "crutches" to alleviate the stress, but then find themselves dependent on these crutches of illegal drugs, alcohol, tranquilizers, food, caffeine, sugar, smoking, etc. Dependence on a substance occurs when one comes to rely on it to function normally. Before long, more and more of it must be taken to achieve the same effect.

Addictions often have chronic mental, emotional and spiritual imbalances that lead to their development. No one develops an addiction overnight. Likewise, addictions are not conquered overnight. Support must come from many sources, ranging from standard health care, detoxification, recovery programs, spiritual guidance, self-help groups, and nutritional counselling.

In many cases, allergies develop to the substance that is being abused. Dr. Keith Mumby of the Food and Environmental Allergy Clinic in Machester, England explains. By the time a person becomes addicted, they are craving that substance because they don't feel well if they don't consume it. They are actually experiencing withdrawal symptoms from not having the substance, and they find that taking it relieves the symptoms yet it actually is further weakening their body.

Often alcohol dependence can be an indication of other problems. Overcoming alcohol dependency involves understanding why one is frustrated, sad or angry and working towards dealing with these problems.

Going hand in hand with the emotional problems are the nutritional deficiencies and/or allergies that together make alcohol addiction so hard to overcome. Faulty sugar metabolism which causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can result from heavy alcohol consumption, placing an additional stumbling block on the road to recovery.

The first step to overcoming addiction may be an allergy test to find out exactly which substances are contributing to the dependency. Any nutritional support necessary will vary from person to person, depending on the constitution of the person, amount of exercise, existing illnesses, length of the addiction, occupation, and physical and mental state of the body.

In general, the herb cayenne, goldenseal, valerian and skullcap will cleanse the system and help to take away the taste for alcohol. The body would be supported with foods high in vitamin A, B complex, C, D and E. Brewer's yeast, zinc, magnesium, and glutamine have proven very beneficial. Avoid meat and all refined and processed foods, especially white sugar and flour.

Tranquillizer dependence differs from heroin, cocaine and alcohol addiction because physical and not psychological dependence is the main problem. Prescribed medication is not viewed as being self-poisoning since it is approved by the patient's doctor, whereas addictions to illegal drugs or alcohol start out as pleasure-seeking activities.

Withdrawal from tranquilizers must be very gradual and under the supervision of a doctor. A slow withdrawal will help symptoms to be less severe, allow one to cope better with a stressful job or family life, allow time to adjust to deep emotional problems (if any), and will reduce the need to return to tranquillizers again.

Overcoming addictions is a complicated matter that requires help from many sources to ensure a complete recovery. Begin by talking with your physician.