Supplements for Addiction Recovery: Support for the Body and Brain

Supplements for Addiction Recovery: Support for the Body & Brain by Joseph Schiele, PhD

Recovering from addiction is not just about quitting substances—it’s about healing the damage they have caused. Substance abuse can deplete essential nutrients, disrupt brain chemistry, and weaken the immune system. The right supplements can help restore balance, reduce cravings, and improve mental and physical well-being.

Here are the best supplements to support addiction recovery and overall healing:

1. L-Glutamine – Reduces Cravings & Supports Brain Function

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Reduces cravings for alcohol and sugar by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

• Supports brain function and repair, especially after substance abuse.

• Helps the gut heal from damage caused by alcohol and drug use.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 500–1,500 mg per day (best taken in divided doses with meals).

2. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – Detox Support & Craving Control

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Boosts glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant, which helps the liver detox.

• Reduces cravings for drugs like cocaine, alcohol, and nicotine.

• Improves mood stability and reduces impulsivity.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 600–1,200 mg per day (best taken in the morning).

3. Magnesium – Calms the Nervous System & Improves Sleep

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Addiction depletes magnesium, leading to anxiety, muscle tension, and insomnia.

• Supports relaxation and stress reduction, helping with withdrawal symptoms.

• Regulates mood and brain function.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 400–600 mg per day (Magnesium Glycinate or Citrate is best).

4. B Vitamins – Restore Energy & Nervous System Health

✔️ Why They Help:

• Alcohol and drug use deplete B vitamins, leading to fatigue, depression, and brain fog.

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Crucial for brain function and memory repair.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Helps with dopamine production and mental clarity.

• Vitamin B6: Supports serotonin and dopamine levels, improving mood and sleep.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• A high-quality B-complex supplement once daily.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) – Brain Repair & Mood Support

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Restores brain cell function damaged by substance abuse.

• Reduces inflammation in the brain, improving mood and reducing depression.

• Supports dopamine production, making it easier to feel pleasure naturally.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 1,000–2,000 mg of EPA & DHA per day (from fish oil or plant-based sources).

6. L-Tyrosine – Supports Dopamine & Motivation

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Helps the brain rebuild dopamine, which is depleted in addiction.

• Improves motivation, focus, and energy levels.

• Useful for stimulant addiction recovery (cocaine, meth, Adderall).

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 500–2,000 mg per day (best taken in the morning).

7. Vitamin D – Improves Mood & Immunity

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Many people in recovery are deficient in Vitamin D, leading to depression and fatigue.

• Supports brain function, immune health, and overall energy levels.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 2,000–5,000 IU per day (best taken with food).

8. Zinc – Aids Brain Function & Reduces Anxiety

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Supports mental clarity and immune system recovery.

• Helps with anxiety, depression, and emotional balance.

• Zinc deficiency is common in alcohol and drug addiction.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• 15–30 mg per day (best taken with food).

9. Probiotics – Gut Health & Mood Regulation

✔️ Why It Helps:

• Restores gut bacteria balance, which is disrupted by alcohol, opioids, and other substances.

• Improves digestion and immune function.

• A healthy gut supports mental health and reduces depression.

📌 Recommended Dosage:

• A high-quality probiotic with at least 10 billion CFUs daily.

10. Herbal Support (Optional but Beneficial)

🌿 Ashwagandha – Reduces stress, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms.
🌿 Milk Thistle – Supports liver detox, especially after alcohol abuse.
🌿 Passionflower – Helps with insomnia, withdrawal anxiety, and relaxation.

Final Thoughts: Supplements Are Tools, Not a Cure

While supplements can greatly support addiction recovery, they work best when combined with:
✔️ A nutrient-dense diet (whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats).
✔️ Regular exercise (boosts dopamine and overall well-being).
✔️ Therapy or support groups for emotional and psychological healing.

💙 Recovery is possible, and taking care of your body is one of the best ways to start.