Literature Review: The Relationship Between Nutrition, Addiction, and Mental Health
Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the role of nutrition in supporting both mental health and addiction recovery. A robust body of research has emerged suggesting that dietary quality has a profound effect on psychological well-being and substance use outcomes. This literature review synthesizes key findings from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews that explore how dietary interventions and metabolic factors influence mental and behavioral health.
Mediterranean and Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet can significantly improve mental health outcomes. Notably, the SMILES trial (Jacka et al., 2017) provided strong evidence that dietary improvement alone—without any changes in other treatments—can alleviate symptoms of major depression. Participants who received nutritional counseling and followed a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats showed markedly reduced depression scores compared to a social support control group.
In a related RCT, Parletta et al. (2019) implemented a Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil and observed improvements not only in diet quality and depressive symptoms, but also in social functioning and anxiety. These findings underscore the potential of nutritional therapy as a low-risk, accessible adjunct to traditional mental health treatments.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Meta-analytic data further reinforce the connection between diet and mental health. Li et al. (2017) conducted a meta-analysis revealing that poor dietary patterns—characterized by high intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats—are associated with an increased risk of depression. Conversely, healthy dietary patterns rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods appear protective.
Molendijk et al. (2018) confirmed a dose-response relationship between diet quality and depression risk: as the quality of dietary intake improves, the risk of depression decreases. Similarly, Lassale et al. (2019) reviewed 41 observational studies and found consistent evidence that adherence to healthy dietary indices reduces the risk of depressive symptoms and disorders.
Lai et al. (2014) and Sánchez-Villegas & MartĂnez-González (2013) echoed these findings, emphasizing the preventative potential of nutrition against mood disorders. The latter authors argued that diet should be considered a legitimate target for depression prevention strategies.
Nutritional Psychiatry and Public Health Implications
Sarris et al. (2015) proposed that nutritional psychiatry should be integrated into mainstream mental health care, citing evidence from emerging studies that dietary modifications can influence mental health outcomes. O'Neil et al. (2014) found that healthy diets correlate with better emotional and behavioral outcomes among children and adolescents, suggesting early dietary interventions may confer long-term mental health benefits. Opie et al. (2015) provided feasibility data for dietary interventions in depressed individuals, supporting the idea that nutritional changes are not only effective but also practical in real-world settings.
Metabolic Psychiatry and Ketogenic Diets
Metabolic psychiatry has recently gained traction as an approach to treating mental illness through the management of metabolic health. Stanford Medicine and other institutions have begun to explore ketogenic diets as interventions for serious psychiatric conditions. For example, Palmer (2022) proposed a metabolic theory of mental illness linking mitochondrial dysfunction to disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Preliminary studies indicate that ketogenic diets can improve psychiatric symptoms, mood stabilization, and cognitive function (Campbell et al., 2023).
Nutrition and Addiction Recovery
Nutrition also plays a significant role in the treatment and recovery from substance use disorders. Breslow and Smothers (2005) highlighted how nutritional deficiencies—particularly in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids—are common in individuals with alcohol and drug addiction and can hinder recovery. González-Soltero et al. (2022) found that plasma amino acid levels in people with alcohol and/or cocaine use disorders were linked to psychiatric comorbidities and varied by sex, suggesting that nutritional profiling could inform more personalized interventions.
Blum et al. (2016) introduced neuronutrient amino-acid therapy as a way to address reward deficiency syndrome—a common feature in addiction. The therapy aims to balance brain dopamine levels, supporting neuroplasticity and promoting abstinence. Wiss (2018) further explored the gut-brain axis in substance use disorder recovery, emphasizing how nutritional support may help stabilize mood, reduce cravings, and restore gut microbiota balance.
Ketogenic diets have also shown potential in addiction recovery. Wang et al. (2023) suggested that these diets may reduce cravings and improve cognitive function by altering brain energy metabolism. Alvarez et al. (2021) reviewed the nutritional status of people in recovery and found widespread dietary inadequacies that may impact treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
The literature overwhelmingly supports the hypothesis that nutrition plays a critical role in mental health and addiction recovery. High-quality diets, particularly those resembling the Mediterranean or ketogenic models, are consistently associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved mood, and better cognitive functioning. As both nutritional and metabolic psychiatry continue to evolve, there is a compelling case for integrating dietary assessment and counseling into standard psychiatric and addiction treatment practices.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nutrition, Amino Acids, and Addiction
Breslow, R. A., & Smothers, B. A. (2005). The importance of nutrition in aiding recovery from substance use disorders: A review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 83(1), 1–10.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28806640/
This review explores the critical role of nutrition in the recovery from substance use disorders. It discusses the impact of deficiencies in essential nutrients on recovery outcomes and highlights the importance of nutrition interventions as part of rehabilitation programs.
González-Soltero, R., et al. (2022). Plasma amino acid concentrations in patients with alcohol and/or cocaine use disorders and their association with psychiatric comorbidity and sex. Biomedicines, 10(5), 1137.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35625874/
This study examines plasma amino acid levels in individuals with alcohol and/or cocaine use disorders. It finds significant associations between amino acid concentrations and psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, as well as differences based on sex.
Wiss, D. A. (2018). Nutrition for substance use disorder recovery: The gut-brain axis. Journal of Recovery Science, 1(2), 1.
https://www.recoverysciencejournal.org/index.php/JORS/article/view/10
This article emphasizes the role of the gut-brain axis in addiction recovery and discusses how nutrition, particularly a diet rich in probiotics and fiber, can support mental health and reduce cravings in individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
Yung, T. K., & Lau, J. T. (2019). Comparing nutrient intake and body weight status amongst adolescent substance users, institutionalised abstainers and never users. Food & Nutrition Research, 63.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6925536/
This study compares nutrient intake and body weight among adolescents who use substances, those who are institutionalized abstainers, and non-users. It reveals the nutritional deficits in substance users, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition in adolescent recovery.
Blum, K., et al. (2016). Neuronutrient amino-acid therapy protects against reward deficiency syndrome: Dopaminergic key to homeostasis and neuroplasticity. Journal of Reward Deficiency Syndrome, 2(3), 24–35.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27510492/
This study explores how amino acid therapy can help treat Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) by using precursors to dopamine production, such as L-tyrosine and DL-phenylalanine, to support neurotransmitter balance and reduce cravings.
Wang, Y., et al. (2021). Dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids in relation to depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Nutrition Journal, 20(1), 1–10.
https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-021-00670-z
This study investigates the relationship between dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and mental health outcomes, finding that higher BCAA intake correlates with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress.
Wang, Y., et al. (2023). Ketogenic diet: A potential adjunctive treatment for substance use disorders. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1191903.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1191903/full
This article reviews the potential of the ketogenic diet as an adjunctive treatment for substance use disorders, suggesting that ketosis may help reduce cravings and support neurochemical balance during recovery.
Alvarez, J., et al. (2021). Nutritional status and eating habits of people who use drugs and/or are undergoing treatment for recovery: A narrative review. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 16(1), 1–12.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8114851/
This review highlights the nutritional status and eating habits of individuals with substance use disorders and those in recovery. It stresses the importance of tailored nutritional interventions to improve recovery outcomes.
Utah State University Extension. (n.d.). Diet, nutrition, and substance use disorder.
https://extension.usu.edu/heart/research/diet-nutriton-and-substance-use-disorder
This resource explores the connection between diet, nutrition, and substance use disorder, offering insights into how nutrition can be a key component in treatment and recovery.
Wagner, J. J., Kelamangalath, L., & Seymour, C. M. (2023). Researchers find potential new addiction treatment. UGA Today.
https://news.uga.edu/addiction-treatment/
This article discusses a University of Georgia study suggesting that specific amino acids, such as D-serine, may improve outcomes for individuals with cocaine addiction by influencing glutamate activity in the brain.
Cole, J. T., et al. (2010). Dietary branched chain amino acids ameliorate injury-induced cognitive impairment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(1), 366–371. https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0910280107PNAS+1BioMed Central+1
In a mouse model, researchers found that dietary BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) reversed cognitive deficits following brain injury. This suggests BCAAs may restore neurotransmitter balance and support cognitive recovery, with possible implications for addiction-related brain impairments.
Solon-Biet, S. M., et al. (2019). Meta-analysis links dietary branched-chain amino acids to metabolic health in rodents. BMC Biology, 17(1), 1–14. https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-021-01201-2BioMed Central
This meta-analysis in rodents found that BCAA-rich diets influence metabolic health and brain function. While not addiction-specific, the study suggests that amino acid balance can significantly impact overall neurological and physiological well-being, which may affect susceptibility to or recovery from addiction.
González-Soltero et al. (2022). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(10), 2756
This study examined plasma amino acid levels in people with alcohol or cocaine use disorders. It found significant differences compared to healthy controls and associations with psychiatric symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression). The findings suggest potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets involving amino acid modulation.
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Vitamin Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Kendig, M. D., & Bachtell, R. K. (2020). Alcoholism and nutrition: A review of vitamin supplementation and alcohol-related illnesses. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 23(2), 123–129. PubMed
This review highlights the impact of vitamin deficiencies, particularly in vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), and B3 (niacin), on individuals with alcoholism. It underscores the need for further research on vitamin supplementation as part of treatment programs.
Khosravi, M., et al. (2019). Exploring the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive functions and mental health in patients under methadone maintenance treatment. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 13(3), 193–199. PubMed
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation improved cognitive functions and some mental health parameters in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.
Fisher, D. E., et al. (2021). Vitamin D deficiency may increase risk for addiction to opioids and ultraviolet rays. Massachusetts General Hospital News. Massachusetts General Hospital+1Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)+1
This study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may heighten the risk of opioid addiction, with findings indicating that correcting vitamin D levels could mitigate addictive behaviors.
WebMD Staff. (2024). Vitamins and supplements for opioid use disorder. WebMD. WebMD
This article discusses studies where vitamins C and E helped alleviate withdrawal symptoms in individuals with heroin addiction, indicating potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation during detoxification.
McIntyre, L. (2023). Examining the importance of nutrition in treating substance use disorders. CCL Healthcare Group. CCL Hospitality Group
This article emphasizes the role of nutrition, including vitamin supplementation, in supporting healthy brain function during detoxification and recovery from substance use disorders.
Alternative to Meds Center. (2025). Vitamins you need in addiction recovery. Alternative to Meds Center. Alternative to Meds
This resource outlines the importance of various vitamins, such as B-complex, C, D, E, and magnesium, in addiction recovery, highlighting how deficiencies can impede the healing process.
American Addiction Centers (2024). Nutraceuticals and addiction treatment. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/antidepressants-guide/nutraceuticals
This article provides a practical overview of how nutraceuticals—natural substances like vitamins, amino acids, and herbal extracts—may support recovery by stabilizing mood, reducing cravings, and enhancing brain function. It mentions specific compounds like L-glutamine, 5-HTP, and omega-3s as helpful adjuncts to traditional therapies.
Health.com. (2023, July 24). What Is Thiamine? Retrieved from https://www.health.com/thiamine-benefits-7561385Health
This article explains the role of thiamine (vitamin B1), commonly depleted in people with alcohol use disorder. Deficiency can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe neuropsychiatric condition. Thiamine supplementation is critical in detox and early recovery to prevent irreversible cognitive damage.
Martin PR, Singleton CK, Hiller-Sturmhöfel S. The role of thiamine deficiency in alcoholic brain disease. Alcohol Res Health. 2003;27(2):134-42. PMID: 15303623; PMCID: PMC6668887.
This article describes how chronic alcohol consumption can result in thiamine deficiency by causing inadequate nutritional thiamine intake, decreased absorption of thiamine from the gastrointestinal tract, and impaired thiamine utilization in the cells.
Harrison R, Rucklidge JJ, Blampied N. Use of micronutrients attenuates cannabis and nicotine abuse as evidenced from a reversal design: a case study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Jun; 45(2):168-178
This case study explores the effects of broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation on substance use—specifically cannabis and nicotine—in a young adult with comorbid mood and behavioral issues. Using a reversal (ABA) design, the researchers observed a clear reduction in substance use, irritability, and mood instability during the supplementation phase, with increases in substance use and behavioral issues when the supplements were withdrawn. The pattern strongly suggests a causal relationship. This study adds preliminary evidence that micronutrients may help reduce addictive behaviors in individuals with underlying psychological challenges.
Reihana PK, Blampied NM, Rucklidge JJ. Novel Mineral-Vitamin Treatment for Reduction in Cigarette Smoking: A Fully Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2018 Aug 23.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether a broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral formula could help reduce cigarette consumption. Adult smokers were randomly assigned to either the active treatment or placebo group for a 4-week intervention. The treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in daily cigarette consumption compared to the placebo group. The study highlights the potential of micronutrient therapy as a supportive treatment for nicotine dependence and calls for further research into nutritional interventions for substance use.
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MENTAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Parletta, N., Zarnowiecki, D., Cho, J., Wilson, A., Bogomolova, S., Villani, A., ... & O'Dea, K. (2019). A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil improves diet quality and mental health in people with depression: A randomized controlled trial (HELFIMED). Nutrients, 11(6), 1305. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061305
This randomized controlled trial (HELFIMED) found that a Mediterranean-style diet supplemented with fish oil significantly improved diet quality, mood, and mental well-being in people with major depression. The intervention also enhanced social functioning and reduced symptoms of anxiety.
Li, Y., Lv, M. R., Wei, Y. J., Sun, L., Zhang, J. X., Zhang, H. G., & Li, B. (2017). Dietary patterns and depression risk: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 253, 373–382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020
This meta-analysis of 21 studies found that poor dietary patterns (e.g., high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Conversely, healthy diets rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fish were protective against depression.
Jacka, F. N., O'Neil, A., Opie, R., Itsiopoulos, C., Cotton, S., Mohebbi, M., ... & Berk, M. (2017). A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the 'SMILES' trial). BMC Medicine, 15(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y
The SMILES trial was the first randomized controlled study showing that dietary improvement alone could significantly reduce symptoms of major depression. Participants who received nutritional counseling (focused on whole, anti-inflammatory foods) showed much greater improvement than the control group receiving social support.
Sánchez-Villegas, A., & MartĂnez-González, M. A. (2013). Diet, a new target to prevent depression? BMC Medicine, 11, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-11-3
This review proposes that diet should be a key target for preventing depression. The authors highlight epidemiological evidence supporting the Mediterranean diet and suggest that inflammation and oxidative stress are potential mechanisms linking nutrition and mental health.
Lai, J. S., Hiles, S., Bisquera, A., Hure, A. J., McEvoy, M., & Attia, J. (2014). A systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary patterns and depression in community-dwelling adults. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 99(1), 181–197. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.069880
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found that adherence to healthy dietary patterns was significantly associated with a lower risk of depression, while “Western” dietary patterns correlated with increased risk.
Molendijk, M., Molero, P., Sánchez-Pedreño, F. O., Van der Does, W., & MartĂnez-González, M. A. (2018). Diet quality and depression risk: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 226, 346–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.09.022
This dose-response meta-analysis demonstrated that better diet quality was associated with a reduced risk of depression in a clear, linear fashion. Improvements in diet could yield modest but significant protective effects on mental health.
Lassale, C., Batty, G. D., Baghdadli, A., Jacka, F., Sánchez-Villegas, A., Kivimäki, M., & Akbaraly, T. (2019). Healthy dietary indices and risk of depressive outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Molecular Psychiatry, 24(7), 965–986. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-018-0237-8
This systematic review of 41 studies found that adherence to healthy dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory) significantly reduced the risk of depressive outcomes. The review also emphasized the quality of evidence and suggested public health implications.
Opie, R. S., O'Neil, A., Jacka, F. N., Pizzinga, J., & Itsiopoulos, C. (2015). A modified Mediterranean dietary intervention for adults with major depression: Dietary protocol and feasibility data from the SMILES trial. Nutrients, 7(6), 4124–4138. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7064124
This paper outlines the dietary protocol and feasibility of the SMILES trial. It confirms that individuals with major depression can adhere to a Mediterranean-style diet, showing potential for scalability in clinical and public health settings.
Sarris, J., Logan, A. C., Akbaraly, T. N., Amminger, G. P., Balanzá-MartĂnez, V., Freeman, M. P., ... & Jacka, F. N. (2015). Nutritional medicine as mainstream in psychiatry. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(3), 271–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00051-0
This position paper advocates for nutritional psychiatry to become a standard part of mental health care. It argues that diet should be treated as a modifiable risk factor, akin to exercise or smoking cessation, and outlines emerging evidence supporting this integration.
O'Neil, A., Quirk, S. E., Housden, S., Brennan, S. L., Williams, L. J., Pasco, J. A., ... & Jacka, F. N. (2014). Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 104(10), e31–e42. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302110
A systematic review of studies examining diet and mental health in children and adolescents. The findings strongly suggest that healthy dietary patterns are linked to better emotional well-being and lower risk of mental disorders in youth.
Breslow, R. A., & Smothers, B. A. (2005). Drinking patterns and diet quality: The 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nutritional Neuroscience, 8(4), 229–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/10284150500114566
This review highlights the strong connection between nutrition and substance use recovery. Chronic alcohol and drug use often lead to nutritional deficiencies (especially in B-vitamins, zinc, and amino acids), which can worsen cognitive function, mood, and overall health. The authors emphasize that integrating nutritional assessment and interventions can significantly support recovery outcomes.
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Vitamin Therapy and Mental Health
Kaplan, B. J., Rucklidge, J. J., Romijn, A. R., & Dolph, M. (2015). A randomized trial of nutrient supplements to minimize psychological stress after a natural disaster. Psychiatry Research, 228(3), 373–379.
This randomized trial examined the effects of micronutrient supplementation on psychological stress following a natural disaster. The study found that participants who received the micronutrient supplement showed significant reductions in psychological distress, suggesting that micronutrients may be an effective intervention for trauma-induced stress and anxiety.
Rucklidge, J. J., Blampied, N., Gorman, B., Gordon, H. A., & Sole, E. (2014). Psychological functioning 1 year after a brief intervention using micronutrients to treat stress and anxiety related to the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes: A naturalistic follow-up. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 29(3), 230–243.
This follow-up study evaluated the long-term psychological benefits of micronutrient treatment for those affected by the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. The results indicated that participants who had received micronutrient supplementation continued to experience improvements in psychological functioning, highlighting the potential for sustained mental health benefits from nutrient-based interventions.
Rucklidge, J. J., Andridge, R., Gorman, B., Slampied, N., Gordon, H., & Boggis, A. (2012). Shaken but unstirred? Effects of micronutrients on stress and trauma after an earthquake: RCT evidence comparing formulas and doses. Human Psychopharmacology, 27(5), 440–454.
This study compared the effects of different micronutrient formulas and doses on individuals suffering from stress and trauma after the Christchurch earthquake. The research showed that micronutrient supplementation helped reduce stress and trauma symptoms, providing evidence that targeted nutritional interventions could mitigate psychological distress.
Rucklidge, J. J., Johnstone, J., Harrison, R., & Boggis, A. (2011). Micronutrients reduce stress and anxiety following a 7.1 earthquake in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychiatry Research, 189, 281–287.
This study assessed the impact of micronutrient supplementation on adults with ADHD who had experienced the 7.1 earthquake in Christchurch. The results revealed that micronutrient supplementation significantly reduced stress and anxiety symptoms, particularly in individuals with ADHD, suggesting the potential benefits of micronutrients in treating anxiety and stress disorders.
Leung, B. M. Y., Srikanth, P., Robinette, L., Bruton, A. M., Tost, G., Hatsu, I., Arnold, L. E., & Johnstone, J. M. (2024). Micronutrients for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youth (MADDY study): Comparison of results from RCT and open-label extension. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 33(5), 1355-1367.
This study compares the outcomes of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and an open-label extension examining the efficacy of micronutrient supplementation in treating ADHD in youth. The results indicated that micronutrients could provide significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, with sustained benefits over time.
Tost, G., Srikanth, P., Bruton, A., Hatsu, I. E., Leung, B. M. Y., Ast, H. K., Eiterman, L. P., Robinette, L. M., Williams, C., Gracious, B., Arnold, L. E., & Johnstone, J. M. (2024). Problems most concerning to parents of children with ADHD and emotional dysregulation in a randomized controlled trial of multinutrients: MADDY secondary analysis. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
This secondary analysis of the MADDY study focused on parents' concerns regarding their children's emotional dysregulation in the context of ADHD. The findings suggested that micronutrient treatment helped alleviate emotional and behavioral issues, thus offering an alternative or adjunct to traditional ADHD treatments.
Johnstone, J. M., Hatsu, I., Tost, G., Srikanth, P., Eiterman, L. P., Bruton, A., Ast, H. K., Robinette, L. M., Stern, M. M., Milington, E. G., Gracious, B., Hughes, A. J., Leung, B. M., Arnold, L. E. (2021). Micronutrients for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youth: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 60(9), 856–864.
This placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial tested the effects of micronutrient supplementation on children with ADHD. The study demonstrated that micronutrient supplementation led to significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, suggesting that this treatment could be an effective alternative or complementary option for managing ADHD.
Kaplan, B. J., Leaney, C., & Tsatsko, E. (2016). Micronutrient treatment of emotional dyscontrol following traumatic brain injury. Mental Health, 4(5), 1078.
This article explores the use of micronutrients in treating emotional dysregulation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study found that micronutrient supplementation could effectively reduce mood disturbances and emotional dysregulation in individuals with TBI, suggesting its potential as part of a rehabilitation strategy.
Halliwell, C., Comeau, W., Gibb, R., Frost, D. O., & Kold, B. (2009). Factors influencing frontal cortex development and recovery from early frontal injury. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 12(5), 269–278.
This study focuses on the developmental and recovery processes of the frontal cortex following early frontal injury. It identifies several factors that influence recovery, including dietary interventions that could support neuroplasticity and cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with brain injuries.
Halliwell, C. (2003). Dietary choline and vitamin/mineral supplement for recovery from early cortical injury. University of Lethbridge.
This thesis examines the role of dietary choline and vitamins in recovery from early cortical injury. The findings suggest that choline and other micronutrients may support brain recovery and cognitive function following such injuries.
Lothian, J., Blampied, N. M., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2016). Effect of micronutrients on insomnia in adults: A multiple-baseline study. Clinical Psychological Science.
This study investigates the effect of micronutrient supplementation on insomnia in adults. The results indicated that micronutrients significantly improved sleep quality and duration, particularly for individuals with chronic insomnia, suggesting the potential of micronutrient therapy for sleep disorders.
Bradley, H. A., Moltchanova, E., Mulder, R. T., Dixon, L., Henderson, J., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2024). Efficacy and safety of a mineral and vitamin treatment on symptoms of antenatal depression: 12-week fully blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial (NUTRIMUM). BJPsych Open, 10(4), e119.
This study examined the efficacy and safety of a mineral and vitamin treatment for antenatal depression. The findings suggested that micronutrient supplementation significantly alleviated symptoms of depression in pregnant women, offering a potential treatment option for those struggling with antenatal depression.
Blampied, M., Tylianakis, J. M., Bell, C., Gilbert, C., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2023). Efficacy and safety of a vitamin-mineral intervention for symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults: A randomized placebo-controlled trial “NoMAD”. Journal of Affective Disorders, 339, 954–964.
This randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of a vitamin-mineral intervention for anxiety and depression. The study found that micronutrient supplementation significantly improved both anxiety and depression symptoms, suggesting the benefits of nutritional intervention in mental health treatment.
Hughes, S., Rondea, M., Shannon, S., Sharp, J., Ivins, G., Lee, J., Taylor, I., & Bendixsen, B. (2021). A holistic self-learning approach for young adult depression and anxiety compared to medication-based treatment-as-usual. Community Mental Health Journal, 57(2), 392–402.
This study compared a holistic self-learning approach for treating depression and anxiety in young adults to traditional medication-based treatments. The findings suggested that a self-learning approach that includes nutritional support could be as effective as medication-based treatments for managing depression and anxiety in this demographic.
Frazier, E. A., Fristad, M. A., & Arnold, L. E. (2012). Feasibility of a nutritional supplement as a treatment for pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(7), 678–685.
This feasibility study explored the use of a nutritional supplement to treat pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders. The results indicated that the supplement was well tolerated and showed promise in alleviating symptoms of bipolar disorder, suggesting that nutritional interventions could be a viable treatment option for children with this condition.
Rucklidge, J. J., & Harrison, R.(2020). The use of micronutrients in the treatment of ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(9), 1283–1297.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the use of micronutrients in the treatment of ADHD. The findings supported the efficacy of micronutrient supplementation, particularly in reducing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, thereby highlighting the role of nutritional interventions in managing ADHD.
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Critical Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
These studies and articles provide critical insights into the effectiveness of AA, suggesting that while it may be beneficial for some individuals, it is not universally effective and may not be more effective than other treatments.
Kownacki, R. J., & Shadish, W. R. (1999). Does Alcoholics Anonymous work? The results from a meta-analysis of controlled experiments. Substance Use & Misuse, 34(13), 1897–1916. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826089909039427NCBI
This meta-analysis of 21 controlled studies found that randomized trials often showed AA to be no more effective, and sometimes less effective, than other treatments or no treatment at all. The authors noted that coercing individuals to attend AA meetings could yield worse outcomes than alternative treatments or even doing nothing.
Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). Alcoholics Anonymous effectiveness: Faith meets science. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 28(2), 145–157. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550880902772464Wikipedia
This article discusses the challenges in evaluating AA's effectiveness due to methodological issues and the reliance on faith-based approaches. It emphasizes the need for more rigorous scientific studies to assess AA's efficacy compared to other treatments.
Glaser, G. (2015). The irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/04/the-irrationality-of-alcoholics-anonymous/386255/US News
This investigative article critiques AA's dominance in addiction treatment despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. It highlights alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication-assisted therapy, which have shown more promising results in some studies.
Peele, S. (2014). AA is not the only way: Your one-stop resource guide to 12-step alternatives. The Fix. https://www.thefix.com/content/alternatives-to-aa
This article explores various alternatives to AA, discussing their approaches and the evidence supporting their effectiveness. It suggests that for some individuals, non-12-step programs may be more suitable and effective.
Vaillant, G. E. (1995). The natural history of alcoholism revisited. Harvard University Press.Wikipedia
In this comprehensive study, Vaillant followed individuals with alcohol use disorder over several decades. He found that while some participants benefited from AA, many achieved sobriety without it, and that AA's effectiveness was comparable to other treatments.
Dodes, L., & Dodes, Z. (2014). The sober truth: Debunking the bad science behind 12-step programs and the rehab industry. Beacon Press.The Atlantic+1The Prindle Institute for Ethics+1
In this book, psychiatrist Lance Dodes argues that AA's success rate is between 5 and 10 percent, challenging the notion that it is an effective treatment for most individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Miller, W. R., & Kurtz, E. (1994). Models of alcoholism used in treatment: Contrasting AA and other perspectives with which it is often confused. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 55(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsa.1994.55.159
This article contrasts the AA model with other treatment approaches, discussing the potential limitations of AA's emphasis on powerlessness and spiritual surrender.
Humphreys, K. (2004). Circles of recovery: Self-help organizations for addictions. Cambridge University Press.
This book provides an overview of various self-help organizations, including AA, and discusses the limitations and criticisms of the AA model, such as its one-size-fits-all approach and lack of adaptability to individual needs.
Peele, S. (2004). The truth about addiction and recovery: The life process program for outgrowing destructive habits. Simon and Schuster.
Stanton Peele critiques the disease model of addiction and AA's approach, advocating for a more individualized and empowering method of recovery that does not rely on the concept of lifelong abstinence.
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