Substances
Dr. Dan's Thoughts on Substances
Cigarettes - Lights ‘em if you got ‘em...
Well, I can’t talk about nutrition without mentioning cigarettes. Remember the doctor’s license? Hold on, though. I’m going to say something you likely haven’t heard from your other doctors. Don’t quit. Yes, you read that correctly.
Don’t Quit Cigarettes? Really Doctor Dan?
Let me explain. Cigarettes are not the problem; they are the solution. We can’t tell you to stop solving your problem without offering an alternative. Does that make sense? If a car is making too much noise, we wouldn’t tell the owner to remove the engine. That’s what we, my colleagues, are doing when we tell you to “stop smoking.” You know it’s harmful. Yet, you choose not to stop. Why not? It’s not just the addiction, although that is a component. There are many factors involved in cigarette smoking, and it’s a complex issue, but you smoke to treat anxiety. Nicotine is one of the most powerful anxiolytics—that’s doctor talk for “relieves stress”—and inhaling it produces faster effects than an intravenous injection. Light up, inhale, and ahhhh—relief!
Unfortunately for you and fortunately for the tobacco companies, it is very short-acting. Once it wears off, the anxiety returns, and you light up again. Therefore, it is also one of the worst anxiolytics because of its short duration.
Don’t Quit Cigarettes - YET
The goal is not to stop smoking cigarettes, but rather to replace the anxiety associated with smoking with a less harmful form of anxiety control. This is where Dr. Dan’s food plans come in. One wonderful added benefit of getting enough sleep is lower anxiety levels. Another benefit of fasting is reduced anxiety, especially with a 48-hour dopamine reset fast. Another benefit of nutritious, delicious, low-inflammatory food is lower anxiety levels. The weight loss that naturally occurs with all of the above also lowers anxiety levels. See where I’m going? Now, add meditation and exercise to the mix, and your general anxiety level will be dramatically lower. Follow Dr. Dan’s food plans for six months. With your baseline anxiety level much lower, you will likely be able to quit smoking, if you haven’t already.
Of course, we want to help you quit smoking, but we want to do so with compassion and a realistic strategy. You may also want to consider adding ketamine therapy during this time. Changing your eating habits can be stressful. The last thing you need is more stress from quitting the one thing that helps your anxiety. For now, let’s keep cigarettes on the back burner. While transitioning to the full plan, follow the old U.S. Army instructions: “Light ’em if you got ’em.” It’s true; the U.S. government used to give soldiers cigarettes.
Marijuana
Although many states have passed laws decriminalizing marijuana use for medical or recreational purposes, it remains illegal at the federal level. Ongoing research and extensive recreational use will eventually determine marijuana’s effectiveness and adverse effects, if any, with respect to anxiety and other conditions.
Dr. Dan is a licensed medical doctor and is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Marijuana is a Schedule I drug and cannot be prescribed. Therefore, Dr. Dan does not endorse the use of marijuana outside of authorized research protocols.
Ketamine
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has been found to have an amazing ability to stop suicidal thoughts. It is well-documented that it helps people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addictions. It is available by prescription only and can be administered via intravenous or intramuscular injection, nasal spray, or sublingual tablets. Ketamine is especially helpful in reducing or eliminating alcohol cravings. It acts quickly and does not cause physical dependence. If you are struggling with depression and/or anxiety that seems beyond your control, please discuss ketamine therapy with your doctor. Most major cities in the US have legal ketamine clinics.
Dr. Dan recommends ketamine therapy for individuals needing additional support in managing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and/or addiction. Food plans, meditation, exercise, and supplements will help reduce stress and improve overall wellness. Ketamine is much more effective and safer than alcohol, and it can be a life-changing bridge during the transition.
Please do not confuse legally prescribed, pharmacy-sourced ketamine with illegal street ketamine. Street ketamine is not safe and is likely contaminated with fentanyl or other compounds. Ketamine is a DEA Schedule III drug and must be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is an active area of research at many prestigious institutions. The data are promising and it seems likely that this will become a valuable component in helping people handle stress and other mental conditions. Dr. Dan predicts that we will have psilocybin available in the future similar to ketamine. As of this writing, psilocybin remains illegal in the USA outside of authorized studies.
*Dr. Dan is a licensed medical doctor and as such is also registered with the DEA, Drug Enforcement Administration. Psilocybin is a Schedule I labelled drug and cannot be prescribed. Therefore Dr. Dan does not endorse the use of psilocibin outside of authorized research protocols.
