The River Source is committed to helping our patients heal physically, mentally and spiritually. With each person being unique, we feel it’s important to offer a variety of treatment options. This way, we can build personalized recovery plans that incorporate various treatment measures such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and vitamin therapy.
One of the components used in our holistic rehab is B12 shots. Many of our patients and their families want to know why B12 shots are used and if they are effective.
What is Vitamin B12?
B12 is a vitamin found in foods like meat, fish and dairy products. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken to prevent or treat vitamin deficiencies. Some of the conditions that the vitamin is used to treat include memory loss, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, depression, asthma, and osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 is also used by some holistic rehab centers to treat significant nutritional deficiencies.
Why are Addicts Low in B12?
Any drug or alcohol addiction is most likely going to cause nutritional deficiencies. Either the addict eats too little or too much, depending on the drug of choice. They probably also have poor eating habits in general, such as binging on food late at night or consuming mostly fast and processed foods.
Chronic alcoholism is also a direct cause of a B12 deficiency. The gastrointestinal problems that are associated with alcoholism make it difficult for the body to absorb B12 and other important B vitamins.
In addition to the deficiency, alcoholics may also become anemic because of the lack of B12 in the blood. They can also suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which is why some serious addicts will experience nerve damage that results in tingling and numbness in the arms and legs.
Do B12 Shots Work?
Vitamin B12 shots are most effective when they are combined with other naturopathic treatment measures such as acupuncture, infrared sauna treatments, and nutritional counseling. The purpose of these shots is to treat the deficiency so that recovering addicts are no longer lacking in it. They feel better and more restored, giving them the energy and focus needed to succeed in recovery.
B12 shots aren’t needed forever. Once there are enough B vitamins in the blood, patients can continue in good health by eating a diet that includes lean meats and low-fat dairy products and/or by taking a multivitamin. It can take a very long time to restore and replenish lost vitamins and nutrients through food alone, which is why vitamin therapy can give recovering addicts the boost they need sooner.
To learn more about B12 shots or any of our other holistic treatment options, give The River Source a call today.
