Addiction and its categories
Addiction is a condition where an individual is psychologically or physically or both heavily dependent on a substance or activity. There are different ways as to how a person can be addicted. They can be chemical substance dependent or addicted, wherein the person is addicted to hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. People can also get addicted to cigarettes, nicotine, alcohol, tranquilizers, coffee, and different foods. Meanwhile, some addictions are more related to behavioral disorders, such as sexual, internet, and gambling addictions. (1)
Essential oils for addiction
The kind of oils that can be valuable for people with addiction problems are those that have sedative, and antidepressant properties or those that can promote a euphoric effect
Antidepressant oil
Some people with addiction use substances to deal with their issues in life. They use it as an outlet to unload their issues or an escape to avoid thinking and dwelling on their problems. The habitual use of these substances to avoid depression or anxiety can make them too dependent on them and thus eventually develop an addiction. Dealing with depression and what causes it is very crucial in the treatment of addiction. People do have the urge to use drugs again to feel better when they feel anxious, agitated, or stressed. Hence when people feel less pressurized or depressed, they also have lesser urges to find something pleasurable yet an unhealthy coping mechanism to escape from their situation. Thus oils with antidepressant properties help prevent individuals or former addicts to relapse and go back to their drug addiction habit.
Oils with antidepressant effects that can be useful for people with addiction problems are Bergamot, Chamomile, Clary, Lavender, Rose, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang. (2)
Euphoric oils
People with addiction may seek immediate relief from their stresses by relying on drugs. They seek that high or feeling of ecstasy that some drugs may provide to them. Oil therapy can be used for addiction treatment and prevention because there are oils that can provide us with similar calming and euphoric effects that you get from drugs. (2) Euphoric and sedative oils can be used to calm the person and promote a blissful mood.
Clary sage essential oil has a euphoric effect hence useful for people with a drug addiction problem. (2)
Food addiction oil
For people with food addiction, Bergamot seems to be particularly helpful. (2)
Application Guide, Dosage
Oils are typically not addicting, however, people who are into oils may find it comforting to consistently bring a bottle of essential oils with them, so they can apply it anytime they want to feel better or deal with their urges.
Oils do have active ingredients, hence it is important to follow the recommended dosage to take. Some oils are recommended to be taken for several days or weeks and must have intervals to be able to continually use them properly. This will prevent adverse reactions due to excessive usage or too much absorption of their active ingredients. Moreover, this will enable the oils to remain potent and prevents our body’s reaction from being resistant to it.
Oil therapy as an Adjunct therapy
Oil therapy can be used in combination with counseling to have a more holistic, effective, and well-balanced addiction treatment.
Know the most suited oil that would work for your client. Then you may apply it topically, through massage, or even inhalation method. You can also be more creative in administering oil therapy. Since a person with an addiction problem may be looking for an outlet to cope with their concerns or stresses, you can ask them whether they want to read more topics about their condition or write about certain activities in their diary. While doing these tasks, you can administer aromatherapy by using a diffuser. This can be helpful as reading and writing can be therapeutic and useful in processing their thoughts and emotions and unloading their sentiments, while the aroma of the oils can have an uplifting effect and boost their mood. Monitor their progress in using this method. Ask and encourage them to honestly answer their assessment of this therapy technique as to whether they want to stop or continue doing this therapy method.
References:
- (1) Addiction. American Psychological Association. Date retrieved 5/14/2023. https://dictionary.apa.org/addiction
- (2) Aromatherapy and A-Z. Patricia Davis. C.W. Daniel Company Limited. 1988
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