Dr. Lemmo utilizes a unique non-pharmaceutical-based approach for addiction and drug withdrawal. Several research papers have demonstrated an effective & safe solution for these problems incorporating high-dose nutritional medicines (also known as "orthomolecular medicine") into the treatment program. Both acute & chronic cases can be managed with or with limited medications. This nutritional-based concept helps correct underlying biochemical imbalances and helps "neutralize" the intoxicating substance(s) found within the body. Treatments typically involve the oral & intravenous application of customized nutritional medicines, while aggressively correcting malnutrition found within the body.

Nutritional medicine & addictions: an important "over-looked" component in detoxification & recovery

People with addictions to alcohol & drugs may be considered some of the most under-nourished and nutrient deficient populations in healthcare. Treatments for these groups typically involve pharmacotherapy (medications), counseling support services, and perhaps acupuncture (depending on the treatment center). The use of supplemental vitamins & minerals for these patients generally falls under the area of diet & foods (and perhaps rest) instead of actually advising them on "adequate" nutritional supplementation. Research suggests that specific vitamins may actually be used as an "add-on" treatment (similar to medications) for these individuals irrespective of whether a person is deficient or not. For example, the B-vitamin niacin (B3) is typically used by physicians to improve cholesterol levels in patients and not for the prevention or treatment of vitamin B3 deficiency. Moreover, evidence also suggests that nutritional medicines have protective properties in the body including the brain & nervous system.

For several decades it has already been documented about some of the potential dangers of nutritional deficiencies. For example, chronic vitamin B1 (or thiamine) deficiency causes a well known neurological complication from alcoholism. Vitamin B12 & folic acid deficiencies may also be a culprit in anemia (megaloblastic) and in cases of neurological & psychiatric conditions. But how about the remaining vitamins & minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids?

Zhou found long-term heroin abusers who used large quantities of this street-drug caused a decrease in vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and an increase in damaging "oxidative stresses" (a biological equivalent of rusting in the body). The researchers advised that "the heroin abusers should acquire sufficient quantity of antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene) so as to abate the injuries to their bodies".

In a study of chronic alcoholics, Majumdar discovered that 24 out of 25 patients (96%) were found to be deficient in blood levels of Vitamin C .Intravenous Vitamin C injections (500mg/day) were given to these patients for 5 days in order to help replenish their bodies. Surprisingly, the levels did not return to within the normal range in 16 out of the 25 (64%) with this strength and dosing schedule of intravenous Vitamin C treatment. According to the researchers:

It is important to note that Vitamin C is vital for brain function. The amount of Vitamin C in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is 3-5 times higher than that in plasma, and in brain cells the levels may be another 3-5 times higher than the CSF. Interestingly, one of the first early warning symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency is "fatigue".

Vitamin C, while on the subject, may also act as a valuable aid in detoxification treatment. Evangelou found patients who received high dose Vitamin C orally either alone or combined with traditional treatment for heroin addiction manifested major withdrawal symptoms ranging from 10% to 16.6% of the subjects. In contrast, people who received traditional medical therapy alone (without Vitamin C) experienced major withdrawal in 56.6% of the cases. In addition, after four weeks of follow up, the patients receiving Vitamin C expressed vivid feelings of well being and a strong improvement in appetite and psychokinetic behavior without any signs of depression or insomnia in contrast to the control group.

Giannini investigated the effects of Vitamin C in 40 men with acute phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication. The patients were randomly assigned to intramuscular injections of the neuroleptic medication Haldol, Vitamin C, or Haldol plus ascorbic acid. The addition of Vitamin C to Haldol enhanced the activity of Haldol in counter-acting PCP intoxication.

Several other nutrients, besides Vitamin C, may benefit drug & alcohol addictions. It is important to stress that an imbalance or deficiency of any one nutrient has the potential to act as an obstacle in the recovery process. For example, a vitamin B1 deficiency can not be corrected or helped by giving another B-vitamin, Vitamin C, etc. Surprisingly, the majority of standard detox & recovery centers do not incorporate, advise, or suggest appropriate nutritional supplementation or offer routine laboratory testing in this area.

It may be important to incorporate optimal replenishment & nutritional regimens for people who are in various stages of addiction detoxification & recovery. Eating a well balanced diet may not be sufficient enough. Moreover, when used correctly, vitamins have the potential to complement standard treatment protocols. My experience in private practice has supported this concept in patients, including their high safety margin. Due to the important role nutrients have on the body & mind, and because of the potential negative ramifications of nutritional deficiencies, nutritional medicines should play a more active role in addiction medicine. . A good "one a day" multi-vitamin & multi-mineral supplement(s) should be considered a basic & elementary starting point.

Dr. Lemmo's unique treatment concept: the "orthomolecular" treatment of addictions

Orthomolecular medicine incorporates the use of specific natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and diet in the prevention and treatment of diseases. For example, the B-vitamin niacin is a widely accepted treatment for high cholesterol problems. Orthomolecular treatment also focuses on removing the obstacles which may hinder heath & recovery. Obstacles may include: toxins, heavy metals, infections, sugar imbalances, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, food & chemical sensitivities, and the classic standard medical culprits.

For example, a landmark 1980 study by Richard Hall ("Physical Illness Manifesting as Psychiatric Disease", Arch Gen Psychiatry, 1980, 37: 989- 995) found 46% of psychiatric patients thoroughly examined had physical ailments (and NOT mental ailments) causing or worsening their mental symptoms. This is why it is important for people to be properly screened & tested whenever someone is seeking treatment for any mental imbalance & addiction. There are progressive & cutting edge laboratory tests available (which are not used in most medical centers) that may detect a persons biochemical disturbance(s), which when corrected, helps restore a persons mental & emotional state. This observation has been supported by several decades of research!

Several research papers have already shown the positive benefits of proper nutrients for helping with withdrawal, cravings, and mood swings in people trying to discontinue alcohol, heroin, and other drugs. For example, Vitamin C aids in the detoxification of heroin & methadone, magnesium has positive benefit for alcohol & benzodiazepine withdrawal, and the B-vitamin niacin may decrease anxiety & agitation in alcoholism.

Here are examples that show orthomolecular treatment aids addiction detox & recovery:

• Vitamin C & Drug Detox (see below)
• Alcoholism

The application of orthomolecular treatments is advantageous for both addictions & mental health care. Reported benefits of treatment are numerous and include: enhanced responses to standard medications & treatments, reduced risks of nervous system damage and drug toxicities, reduction in relapse rates, and improved overall well-being. The ultimate goal of orthomolecular treatment is to provide both mental & physical stability without additional risks & complications. Patients who incorporate this treatment approach commonly feel rejuvenated and rested. Patients also show improved skin tones and color after receiving treatment.

For patients that may need extra care & support, Dr Lemmo has included his program in an in-patient (residential) treatment center. Please click the link below to find out more information.

Dr. Lemmo's Residential (in-patient) Program

High dose Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as an aid to drug detoxification: withdrawal with high dose Vitamin C

A number of studies have investigated the importance of Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) supplementation in assisting people to withdraw from opiate type drugs (i.e. heroin, methadone ). Researchers have suggested that by correcting hypo-ascorbemia (low Vitamin C blood levels) and mal-nutrition it is possible to take people with addiction off of heroin or methadone without the appearance of withdrawal symptoms.

The general improvement in the well-being of people with addictions occuring within 12-24 hours after beginning Vitamin C detoxification is striking. This is demonstrated by improved mental alertness, visual acuity, and a return of appetite.

Italian researchers investigated the effects of Vitamin C in 40 men with acute phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication. The patients were randomly assigned to intramuscular doses of haloperidol (an anti-psychotic), ascorbic acid 1000 mg, haloperidol (5mg) plus ascorbic acid (1000 mg), and placebo. Each group received randomly assigned treatment at 0 minutes and 30 minutes.

Ratings of withdrawal response were conducted at 0, 30 and 60 minutes by two psychiatry residents who were blind to the purpose and the treatments. The addition of Vitamin C to haloperidol appears to enhance the activity of haloperidol in counteracting PCP. The interaction effect was significant.

Ratings of withdrawal response were conducted at 0, 30 and 60 minutes by two psychiatry residents who were blind to the purpose and the treatments. The addition of Vitamin C to haloperidol appears to enhance the activity of haloperidol in counteracting PCP. The interaction effect was significant.

Greek researchers compared the effects of administration of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in 3 groups of men with heroin addiction. The first group of 30 male patients received traditional medical therapy for detoxification.

The second group received traditional medical therapy plus high dose Vitamin C and the third group received only high dose Vitamin C. Evaluation for the appearance and intensity of withdrawal symptoms were conducted by a staff member of the unit.

The researchers found patients who received high dose Vitamin C orally either alone or combined with traditional treatment for heroin addiction manifested major withdrawal symptoms ranging from 10% to 16.6% of the subjects. In contrast, people who received traditional medical therapy alone (without Vitamin C treatment) experienced major withdrawal in 56.6% of the cases. In addition, after four weeks of follow up, the patients receiving Vitamin C expressed vivid feelings of well being and a strong improvement in appetite and psychokinetic behavior without any signs of depression or insomnia in contrast to the control group.