Brigitte Mars - Addiction-Free Naturally

Heres one for all of my children, Sunflower Sparkle Mars and Rainbeau Harmony Mars; grandchildren, Jade Destiny Mars, Solwyn Forest Stegall, and Luna Zhara Mars; and godchildren, Cedar Miller, Aaron Boyleston, James and Claire Hay, Rosy Durrett, Peter McIntosh, and Nisa Mars Counter.

ADDICTION-FREE
Naturally

Brigitte Mars, A.H.G., is a highly respected registered herbalist recognized by the American Herbalists Guild. I have been honored to have her as a guest on my radio shows numerous times over several decades. As an author, Brigitte offers well-researched, comprehensive information and protocols involving natural therapies, such as lifestyle and botanicals that are steeped in long-term tradition as well as supported by modern scientific inquiries. Brigitte includes easy-to-use formulas that even a newcomer can safely tryto assist in their quest for wellness and, in this particular instance, support in becoming addiction-free NATURALLY!

ELLEN KAMHI, PH.D., R.N., A.H.N.-B.C., A.H.G, AUTHOR OF THE CYCLES OF LIFE AND HOST OF THE NATURAL NURSE AND DR. Z AND NATURAL ALTERNATIVES

Sugar. Nicotine. Food. Prescription medications. Sex. Alcohol. And so many more. If youre snared by addictionand youre ready to changethis is the go-to guide. In it, world-renowned herbalist Brigitte Mars presents natural means for shifting from the disease state of addiction to a life of true health. Full of cross-cultural reflections, she presents more than 22 natural methods for transforming your relationship with yourself and your addictive focus. Readers can make use of herbs, nutrition, supplements, color therapy, essences, and moreto embrace purity and fly free.

CYNDI DALE, AUTHOR OF ENERGY HEALING FOR TRAUMA, STRESS, AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND THE SUBTLE BODY

In these stressful times, addiction is increasing throughout the world at a high rate. Addiction-Free Naturally is a very practical and thoroughly researched work from experienced herbalist, practitioner, and educator Brigitte Mars. Brigitte brings her many years of research and hands-on practice, making this book a must for anyone wanting to begin using more earthfriendly natural remedies and healthy practices to prevent and heal a wide range of addictions right away.

CHRISTOPHER HOBBS, PH.D., L.AC., HERBALEST RESEARCH SCIENTIST, AND AUTHOR OF GROW IT, HEAL IT

Marss compassionate, well-researched book takes the reader by the hand to select the best natural remedies that help break addiction to heal mind and body. She artfully uses simple language to explain how the brain is impacted and provides enough information to design a healing protocol that is based on each type of addiction.

KATHI KEVILLE, DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN HERB ASSOCIATION

Addiction-Free Naturally is a must-have resource for anyone dealing with any kind of addiction. For some it could very well be life-saving. The material is extensively researched and clearly presented in accessible language. Most importantly, the book is a wide-ranging, generous compendium of solidly reliable and applicable information and guidance.

CHRISTOPHER M. BACHE, AUTHOR OF LSD AND THE MIND OF THE UNIVERSE, PROFESSOR EMERITUS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

Brigitte Marss life-changing book Addiction-Free Naturally shares empowering information to support readers to take charge of their health and recover from their addictionsnaturally! Brigittes wellspring of knowledge goes deep. She shares history, science, therapies, insights, and more and dispels myths by reinforcing truths about the harmful impact of addiction on individuals, their families, and society. Bless you, Brigitte, for sharing your wisdom and giving us the necessary tools of healing to help emancipate ourselves from our addictions.

ANTHONY J.W. BENSON, FOUNDER OF INJOI CREATIVE, CREATIVE BUSINESS STRATEGIST, CONSULTANT, INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER, AND WRITER

Brigitte Mars is an herbalist from a tradition that combines the ancient healing-plant wisdom from the East and the West. Due to her long, rich personal experience with plants and herbal medicines, and having lived consciously close to the earth all her life, her books are abundant fountains of information. As we live in a time of global overconsumption on many levels, Brigitte Marss book Addiction-Free Naturally is a timely addition to her large collection of herbal handbooks. Presented in a clear and easily assimilated format, this book is a must in every well-rounded natural remedy household library.

MARTINA HOFFMANN, CONTEMPORARY VISIONARY ARTIST

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my editor, Lee Juvan, for seeing the need for this book, and to Jamaica Burns Griffin and Nancy Ringer for their eagle-eyed attention to the text. Thank you to my inspirations Matthew Becker, Mindy Green, Rosemary Gladstar, Kathi Keville, Jane Bothwell, Mark Retzloff, Hass Hassan, Pam Montgomery, Linda LaMole, Sara Katz, Beth Baugh, Margi Flint, Michael and Lesley Tierra, Roy Upton, Christopher Hobbs, Susun Weed, Diana DeLuca, Jennifer and Mo Siegel, John Hay, Chris Halverson, David Hoffmann, Martina Hoffmann, Pascal Ferry, Donnie Curren, Alyson and Alex Grey, Red Elk, and the late greats William LeSassier, Cascade Anderson Geller, Terence McKenna, Dr. Timothy Leary, and Rosemary Woodruff Leary; my beloved parents, Morton and Rita Smookler; my sisters, Dominique and Rachel; the crew at Pharmaca Boulder; and most of all, my cosmic companion, BethyLoveLight.

INTRODUCTION

Where We Stand Today

Welcome to the newly revised edition of Addiction-Free Naturally, which was originally published by Inner Traditions in 2001. So much has changed since the beginning of the century! Indeed, there have been stupendous technological advancements, but also addiction is in the news daily with concerns about the opioid crisis, overdoses, and deaths. Psychedelic therapy and research, which was halted during the Nixon administration, is now being successfully revisited, with studies occurring at such well-respected schools as Johns Hopkins and New York University. We can add to our herbal pharmacopoeia kratom and iboga, two newly popular herbs that may be helpful in addiction treatment. In some areas cannabis, psilocybin, and other psychedelic compounds are being legalized or decriminalized, and require guidance on how they might be helpful and when they may be dangerous. Everywhere, research is validating what the ancient ones already understood about herbs.

This book offers both a broad overview of addiction and specific information for particular types of addiction. In part 1, youll find a breakdown of the basic therapies used to treat most addictions. Part 2 addresses different types of addiction one by one, helping you to build a personalized treatment plan. In part 3, well talk about how to get through the withdrawal process and maintain an addiction-free lifestyle.

I suggest that you use this book in conjunction with the support of your health care provider. Addiction can be challenging to overcome in any circumstance, and the effort is more likely to be successful with the support of family, friends, and community. In some cases, therapy is called for. In other casesespecially when youre dealing with addiction to potent and life-threatening drugs like opioidsmedical help is needed.