Drug Abuse

DRUG ABUSE AND HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS - A SMALL STUDY

By Lawrence Wilson, MD

Drug use is skyrocketing in America, particularly, and in other nations, particularly in Europe, as well. There are many possible reasons for this. Among them may be the generally faster pace of life, in general. Also, most people’s bodies are far more run down and tired. Also, the level of the toxic metals in the environment and in people’s bodies are higher, causing more mental and physical disorders, including many mental and emotional problems.

This article discusses some of the common hair analysis patterns seen in people who are or who have used drugs, with some commentary on the causes of drug and alcohol addictions and what can be done to help them.

Hair analysis patterns with drug use. These can be any patterns. However, the most common are often a slow oxidation rate, and often a very slow oxidation rate. The exception here is alcoholism, which occurs often in fast oxidizers with a low sodium/potassium ratio.

It is not always clear whether the drug use causes a slow oxidation rate or a very sluggish oxidation rate causes a person to want to use drugs. Either situation is possible, and most likely both occur commonly.

Toxic metals are often high in those who use drugs. Once again, this may be a cause or a result of drug or alcohol use. One note with alcoholism is that most alcoholic beverages contain various toxic substances, among which are toxic metals as well as toxic chemicals. These range from pesticides used on grapes and other crops that are made into alcohol, to chemicals added during processing, fermentation, distillation processes or as preservatives, which are also widely used in alcoholic beverages and rarely appear on the label.

However, we always find toxic metals such as arsenic and mercury in those who use alcohol heavily. The other possible reason for this is that those who use drugs rarely eat well, so their bodies may just become depleted of vital minerals and then accumulate toxins from the environment.

The bowl pattern. This pattern may be somewhat more common among those who use or have used drugs or alcohol. The pattern indicates a feeling of being stuck, emotionally. The cause of this pattern can be a combination of lifestyle issues and nutritional imbalances. It often responds very well to nutritional balancing programs.

Part of this pattern is a tendency for feelings of frustration, resentment and hostility. These are associated with a low sodium/potassium ratio. These feelings are common in those who use drugs.

Other common emotions are anger, often turned inward, loneliness, a certain detachment from reality, and a desire to escape or run away. Some feel very lost and rather hopeless. As a result, they do not care much about their health. Otherwise they would most likely not engage in drug use, which most know is not healthful or safe.

HELPING THOSE WITH A DRUG PROBLEM

Many methods can help those with a drug problem. They range from the traditional methods such as counseling and other types of psychotherapies, to some of the more unorthodox methods, such as the use of sauna therapy, and others.

Nutritional balancing science. Nutritional balancing is exceptionally good for anyone who desires to recover from the use of any addictive substance such as alcohol or drugs. The reasons for this, and why it is vastly superior to just counseling, or standard medical and holistic therapies, include:

1. It can correct many nutritional deficiency states such as low zinc or B-complex vitamin deficiencies that may cause cravings for drugs or alcohol.

2. It can correct conditions such as hypoglycemia, depression, anxiety, irritability, moodiness, brain fog, aches and pains, and other symptoms that may cause drug addition in the first place.

3. It can restore the body’s natural energy production so that stimulants, for example, are not needed or as helpful to give a person some energy. This can also be an important factor in drug or alcohol use.

4. The program removes at least two dozen toxic metals from the brain. Many people do not realize that the presence of specific toxic metals can cause intense emotions and negative thoughts. For example, excessive lead is associated with violence and a lowered I.Q. Excessive cadmium is associated with a need for cigarettes, at times. Too much mercury can cause a person to want a drug such as marijuana to calm down.

5. It can remove or detoxify the body of hundreds of toxic chemicals. This is another factor that can hold a person in a drug or alcohol addiction.

6. It can restore a certain natural high that everyone should feel every day. This is, in part, due to the action of the adrenal and thyroid hormones. When one has this natural feeling of happiness and joy, one is much less attracted to drugs of any kind.

7. The program tends to make a person much calmer, and more relaxed. This tends to reduce the need for depressant drugs such as marijuana or ‘downers’.

8. The program often gives a person a new set of “tools” or methods to use when adversity strikes, or fear occurs, or any negative emotions come up. By using these natural methods, such as foot reflexology, sauna therapy, coffee enemas, specific foods and supplements, one develops more control, even in stressful life situations. This can also reduce the desire or need for harmful drug use.

9. Intensely cleansing and renourishing the body tends to make it more sensitive to all toxins. This is an interesting effect. Many clients report, for example, that they “no longer tolerate” alcohol, drugs, junk food, and other harmful products the way they formerly did.

10. The program often increases mental clarity, enhances the ability to reason, improves the memory and enhances the processing speed of the brain. This will help anyone to make much better, reasoned and less emotionally-based decisions.

11. When followed faithfully for a few years, a nutritional balancing program, unlike other nutrition or medical methods, automatically causes what I call mental or spiritual development. This is an actual increase in brain capacity, thinking capacity, and with it, usually in wisdom and knowing. This tends to make a person’s entire outlook less compatible with self-destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol use. For more on this interesting subject, read Mental Development on this website.

12. Finally, by restoring one’s physical and emotional health, the program often gets rid of hopelessness, despair, suicidal thoughts, and other very negative emotions and attitudes that often are at the root of drug and alcohol abuse.

13. All of the above occur rather mechanically and automatically if one just stays on the program. This is a great advantage, in that the program is not dependent upon the skill or expertise of the nutritional consultant or doctor who administers the program.

14. Nutritional balancing programs can break vicious cycles that lead to drug abuse at many levels at once. This may sound a little esoteric, but in terms of systems theory, it is an important reason why they work so well. The body can be viewed as a complex system with many aspects that continuously interact and can perpetuate a craving for drugs or alcohol. The more places one can “break the cycle” or shift the system, as it were, the more effective a program will tend to be. Nutritional balancing incorporates a healthful diet and lifestyle, targeted nutritional supplements, adequate rest and exercise, physical methods such as sauna therapy and coffee enemas, energetic methods such as foot reflexology, and mental/emotional/spiritual methods using the Roy Masters meditation.

At the same time, people are warned to avoid dozens of methods of healing, detoxification, meditation and others that we have found to be less helpful or harmful.

15. Nutritional balancing is one of very few methods that makes the body more yang in Chinese medical terminology. This helps make a person less compatible with the use of very yin substances including most drugs, alcohol, sugars and others.

OTHER METHODS THAT CAN BE USED WITH A NUTRITIONAL BALANCING PROGRAM

Religions often helpful. Many people find that structured religions are helpful for drug rehabilitation. This is important to realize. Many find peace with Christianity, for example, or Judaism, or even Islam. This is one reason the more structured religions are gaining members these days.

Counseling. This is a traditional method that is helpful in some cases, particularly if the person really wants to change. Many varieties of counseling exist, and the skill and experience of drug counselors varies tremendously, so a person must choose a counselor carefully.

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These are quite helpful for many people. They offer constant support, comraderie and friendship, and the 12-step programs offer a religious or spiritual aspect that is very helpful as well. When combined with nutritional balancing, they form a powerful combination.

CASE STUDIES

Abstract. Five cases of substance abuse were analyzed for mineral patterns unique to this population as revealed on hair mineral analyses. All five cases had very low zinc and elevated cadmium levels. In the author's experience, this is not as common in other population groups.

The study suggests a link between low hair zinc, elevated cadmium and substance abuse. Also analyzed were three cases of former substance abusers. These revealed higher zinc levels. Possible reasons for the findings and how correction might prove helpful in treating substance abuse are covered in the discussion.

INTRODUCTION

Substance abuse is a common and costly health problem in America today. An area of research that has received little attention is whether nutritional imbalances might predispose one toward substance abuse. A fairly new tool for assessing mineral imbalances inexpensively and accurately is hair mineral analysis. The objective of this study was to review a number of cases to identify mineral patterns unique to substance abusers.

METHODOLOGY

In the author’s nutrition consulting practice, a tissue mineral analysis is performed on every new patient. A number of substance abusers were clients in the practice. Mineral tests of five substance abuse patients were analyzed for this study.

THE CASES

Those who were substance abusers at the time of testing:

Case #1. K.G., a 30-year-old white female, had a history of alcohol abuse since age 15. At the time she presented, she had been sober for nine months. She also abused sleeping pills at the time of the mineral analysis, and had a history of tranquilizer abuse on and off for 10 years. She complained of extreme fatigue, hypoglycemia, poor digestion and hopelessness.

Case #2. J.M., a 44-year-old white male, had a history of cocaine and alcohol abuse. He also smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for the past 20 years.

Case #3. J.P., a 37-year-old white male, was a heroin addict, now on a methadone maintenance. He is also HIV positive. He had taken massive doses of vitamin C and other vitamins which he claimed helped his energy level. He complained of fatigue, joint pain, depression, and anxiety.

Case #4. W.H., a 57-year-old white male, regularly abused alcohol. His symptoms were arthritis, impotence and extreme fatigue.

Case #5. U.P., a 33-year-old white female, is a former heroin addict, now on methadone maintenance. She had symptoms of fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, joint stiffness and premenstrual tension.

Those who were former substance abusers:

Case #6. B.K., a 24-year-old white female, had a history of alcoholism and drug abuse until five years ago. At the time of testing she was taking Prozac and Xanax for symptoms of irritability, depression, mood swings, panic attacks and anxiety.

Case #7. D.W., a 29-year-old white female, had a history of cocaine abuse several years ago. She complained of mood swings, anxiety and 'stress'. She smokes 10 cigarettes per day. She takes no medication.

Case #8. A.K., a 17-year-old white female, previously had a brief involvement with cocaine. Her main symptom was fatigue, and she was not on medication.

HAIR TISSUE MINERAL TESTING PROCEDURE

Sampling of the hair requires several clippings from the back of the head, close to the scalp. Hair over one inch long is cut off and discarded. Cuttings were combined to form a 125 mg sample. This was sent to Accutrace Laboratories in Phoenix, Arizona, a federally licenced testing laboratory with over 35 years experience.

At the laboratory, the sample is cut up by hand into smaller pieces. This is left to dissolve overnight in a combination of nitric and sulfuric acid. The following day a carefully measured amount is placed in an induction-coupled plasma instrument. The instrument detects the levels of 20 trace and toxic minerals accurately within parts per million.

Controls involve a National Bureau of Standards bovine liver sample, and in-house controls of all reagents. Controls are run with every batch of samples.

RESULTS

All data is presented at the end of the article. Test results differing from averages seen in the general population included:

Cadmium: All substance abusers revealed tissue cadmium levels above 0.02 mg%. Two of the three former substance abusers also had elevated cadmium readings. The optimal cadmium level is 0.01 mg% or less.

Zinc : All substance abusers had zinc readings of 12 mg% or lower. None of the former substance abusers had a zinc reading less than 14 mg%. Optimal zinc levels are about 14 mg% or higher.

Phosphorus: Four of the five substance abusers had phosphorus readings of 13 mg% or lower. Among the former abusers, only one had a phosphorus level below 13 mg%. Optimal phosphorus levels are above 13 mg%.

Lead. All but one of the cases showed an elevated lead, using a lead level of 0.1 mg% or less as the optimal level.

Other mineral levels were variable, similar to the general population.

DISCUSSION

Zinc: Zinc is a critical mineral, involved in over 100 enzyme systems. These include alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme required to detoxify alcohol in the liver. Zinc is also considered by some researchers as a calming neurotransmitter. Zinc is important for the functioning of the cortex, or higher brain centers. Zinc is also required for protein synthesis, digestive enzyme secretion, insulin production and secretion, the sense of taste and smell, appetite control, wound healing and many other functions.

Zinc deficiency is associated with anorexia, mood swings, anxiety and emotional instability. It can also cause cadmium toxicity, as cadmium replaces zinc in enzyme binding sites.

Zinc deficiency is common in America. Dr. Carl Pfeiffer wrote in Mental & Elemental Nutrients that as of 1975, zinc was deficient in the soil of 32 of the 50 states. This causes low zinc levels in many foods today.

Food refining and processing removes more zinc from our foods. Zinc deficiency is commonly congenital, or present from birth, if the mother is low in zinc.

Stress and the use of alcohol further deplete the level of zinc. Cigarette paper contains cadmium, an element that competes with zinc for intestinal absorption.

Zinc deficiency may contribute to the tendency for substance abuse by increasing one’s anxiety level. Conversely, alcohol or drug abuse with accompanying malnutrition almost always results in a zinc deficiency. The deficiency in turn worsens anxiety and emotional instability, creating a vicious cycle.

Cadmium : Cadmium competes with zinc and interferes with zinc metabolism. Cadmium can replace zinc in enzyme binding sites. In a study of Navy recruits, high hair cadmium was shown to correlate well with behavior problems. Cadmium toxicity may be present at birth, passed from the mother through the placenta. It may also be acquired from environmental sources, including tap water, processed foods and occupational exposure.

Cadmium from cigarette smoke could help account for the elevated levels in some of the study participants. Zinc deficiency also predisposes one to cadmium toxicity. When zinc is deficient, the body will absorb cadmium to replace zinc in enzyme binding sites.

Phosphorus: Low phosphorus on a mineral analysis is the result of a diet low in protein, impaired protein digestion or utilization, and/or possibly a low zinc level. Zinc deficiency or a poor diet could account for the low phosphorus readings in the study participants.

Lead. Lead is a highly toxic metal that affects the nervous system as well as many other body systems. Lead toxicity is associated with over 100 symptoms.

Lead, along with other toxic metals, may be used as a pesticide that is sprayed on drug crops.

CONCLUSIONS

The intent of this small study was to identify mineral patterns that might be common to substance abusers. Low zinc and high cadmium were common to all cases. Low phosphorus was present in four of the five substance abusers. Lead was also elevated among the substance abusers. Lead poisoning often has to do with drugs.

This study suggests a correlation between substance abuse and mineral imbalances, either as a cause or a result of substance abuse. Correction of mineral imbalances may have a role to play in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Larger studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

TRACE MINERAL READINGS - 8 CASES

(all numbers reported in mg per 100 grams)

Mineral Case #1 Case #2 Case #3 Case #4 Case #5 Case #6 Case #7 Case #8
F - alcohol M - alcohol M - heroin M - alcohol F - heroin F - former F - former F - former

Calcium 55 76 53 115 57 50 176 99

Magnesium 10 6 6 26 10 6 24 6

Sodium 3 230 62 43 26 3 18 8

Potassium 1 30 28 72 11 1 5 3

Iron 1 0.6 1.6 4.0 0.5 0.8 0.9 0.8

Copper 9.4 16 1.0 4.0 1.1 0.9 2.0 2.7

Manganese 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02

Zinc 12 12 12 11 7 14 17 14

Chromium 0.2 0.04 0.06 0.16 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.02

Phosphorus 12 11 12 14 11 13 13 11

Lead 0.1 1.1 0.32 0.79 0.31 0.1 0.3 0.4

Mercury 0.04 0. 08 0.24 0.22 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.06

Cadmium 0.03 0.06 0.03 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.02 0.05

Aluminum 1.5 0.5 4.9 7.4 1.00 1.1 1.2 0.9

Nickel 0.1 0.1 0.11 .19 0.2 0.18 0.17 0.19

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