Addiction Recovery with Integrative Psychiatry
A Functional Medicine Approach to Substance Use & Behavioral Addictions
Addiction is not a moral failing. It’s a chronic brain-based condition driven by biochemical imbalances, inflammation, trauma, and unique biological needs. At BalanSoul, we offer an evidence-based integrative model that blends nutritional care, functional testing, and emotional healing for sustainable recovery.
What Is Addiction, Really?
Addiction isn’t a moral failing it’s a complex, chronic condition with deep roots in the brain and body.
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling, sugar, or technology, addictions often begin as coping tools. But over time, the brain’s natural balance becomes hijacked, rewired to crave the very things that harm it.
At BalanSoul, we treat addiction as a biochemical survival pattern, not a character flaw. We help you uncover the underlying imbalances so you can reclaim clarity, stability, and freedom.
What Is Addiction, Really?
Addiction isn’t a moral failing—it’s a complex, chronic condition with deep roots in the brain and body.
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling, sugar, or technology, addictions often begin as coping tools. But over time, the brain’s natural balance becomes hijacked, rewired to crave the very things that harm it.
At BalanSoul, we treat addiction as a biochemical survival pattern, not a character flaw. We help you uncover the underlying imbalances—so you can reclaim clarity, stability, and freedom.
Root Causes of Addiction: What Drives It?
Addiction doesn’t come from weakness. It comes from stressors that overwhelm the brain’s ability to cope. We look beneath the label to understand what’s actually going on:
Some people struggle due to early trauma. Others have genetic vulnerabilities, or nutrient imbalances that affect mood, impulse control, and sleep. In many cases, the gut and nervous system are inflamed, blood sugar is unstable, and cravings are the body’s way of crying out for balance.
By looking at these root contributors—like neuroinflammation, digestive disruption, stress hormones, and neurotransmitter imbalances—we help you restore what your brain and body truly need to heal.
- Neurotransmitter imbalance — low dopamine, serotonin, or GABA
- Inflammation & oxidative stress — driven by gut dysfunction, toxins, or trauma
- Blood sugar instability — can trigger cravings and emotional reactivity
- Early-life trauma & chronic stress — shaping brain pathways and stress responses
- Genetic predispositions — such as COMT, MTHFR, and DRD2 gene variations
Signs & Symptoms of Addiction
Addiction affects every part of life—emotional, physical, and relational. You might notice:
- Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or agitation
- Cravings, tolerance, or withdrawal
- Impulsive or risky behaviors
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Sleep issues (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Shame, isolation, or feeling out of control
We support recovery from many types of addiction, including:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis (weed addiction)
- Prescription medications (e.g. opioids, benzos)
- Stimulants (cocaine, meth, Ritalin misuse)
- Behavioral addictions like:
- Porn addiction
- Phone or screen addiction
- Food or pasta addiction (especially sugar/flour cravings)
- Gaming and gambling compulsions
Functional Testing & Nutrient Assessment
- Plasma zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin
- Whole blood histamine (methylation status)
- Vitamin D, magnesium, and B-vitamin panels
- Organic Acid Testing (OAT) to assess neurotransmitter metabolites
- DNA profile (e.g. MTHFR, COMT, MAO-A)
Nutritional & Integrative Support
Supporting the brain’s recovery involves rebuilding what’s depleted—and calming what’s overactive.
Some natural supports may include:
- Zinc & B6 — foundational in methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis
- Magnesium — for calming the nervous system and improving sleep
- NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) — helps regulate glutamate and reduce cravings
- L-theanine or GABA — promote relaxation and reduce anxiety
- Adaptogens like Rhodiola or Ashwagandha — support adrenal balance
Nutritional & Integrative Support
Supporting the brain’s recovery involves rebuilding what’s depleted—and calming what’s overactive.
Some natural supports may include:
- Zinc & B6 — foundational in methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis
- Magnesium — for calming the nervous system and improving sleep
- NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) — helps regulate glutamate and reduce cravings
- L-theanine or GABA — promote relaxation and reduce anxiety
- Adaptogens like Rhodiola or Ashwagandha — support adrenal balance
Can Recovery Happen Without Medication?
Some clients wish to explore drug-free options. Others want to reduce reliance on prescription medications or integrate supports for long-term stability.
We never push for abrupt withdrawal. Instead, we work with your prescriber to create a safe, staged approach when tapering is appropriate.
For some, the most stable path involves both medication and integrative care. There is no one-size-fits-all.
Our 3-Step Recovery Framework
Rebalance & Prepare for Change
Restore Mood & Resilience
Once your system is more stable, we shift toward easing cravings, supporting motivation, and creating a daily rhythm that restores balance. We help you gently regulate your brain chemistry using amino acids, adaptogens, targeted supplements, and simple routines.
Maintain Recovery & Prevent Relapse
Long-term healing means working on the deeper patterns. Here, we support you with tools for stress resilience, emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and maintenance of brain health through nutrition and follow-up care.
Can Natural Medicine Help Like Methadone?
We don’t replace medical detox or prescribe pharmaceuticals. But we do support your brain in similar ways:
Some clients use natural compounds like NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) to help reduce cravings. Others benefit from calming herbal formulas that gradually build in the body, reducing tension and anxiety as they prepare to taper. These options are not quick fixes—but they can be powerful tools when used properly and safely.
“I thought it was just stress…”
“I didn’t realise voices and mistrust could mean something deeper…”
“I’d seen five therapists before anyone suggested testing…”
Our Approach at BalanSoul
Here’s how we help support your journey:
Root cause analysis via testing
Personalized nutrient and supplement plans
Support for emotional and trauma healing
Ongoing guidance that respects your pace and values
