In last month's column, I talked about chiropractic enhancing addiction treatment. Addiction is a prevalent problem that escalates crime and medical costs. It touches every family in some way. My professional interest in an integrated approach to mental illness and addiction treatment actually lead me to chiropractic.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one out of every four people experiences mental illness. About half are also dually diagnosed with a substance abuse problem. As a mental health counselor, I worked with many who had a dual diagnosis and verbalized to me how they felt as if they fell through the cracks. While it was crucial for them to be treated for both disorders, they were overwhelmed.

As odd as it sounds, neither “culture” accepts them. One problem is the use of pharmacologic therapy for mood disorders. For the alcoholic this is considered off limits especially for many who attend Alcoholics Anonymous. The alcoholic is taught to never use alcohol again and remain clean which includes avoiding drugs in general. Psychiatrists also have the problem of prescribing medications that are lethal when mixed with alcohol. This is risky if a relapse occurs and someone does not stay sober.

To add to the confusion, a University of Hull (United Kingdom) study reported this year that antidepressant drugs don't work any better than placebos.

With major depression as the leading cause of disability in the United States, this tells me a segment of the population does not see their quality of life improving.

Incorporating chiropractic into mental health and substance abuse treatment has shown great benefit in behavioral outcomes. The American Journal of Public Health published a study of participants who chose “alternative medicine” including chiropractic for their psychiatric care. The chiropractic group noted they felt less pain, more relaxation, better overall health, less isolation and an increased sense of well being and coping.

Chiropractic studies using PET scans have been used to show decreased blood flow to the brain impairing function in patients with whiplash induced emotional changes.

It is also now known that the spinal cord contains abundant opiate receptors which normally produce the emotional responses of well being.

Candice Pert, Ph.D, has shown through her research how emotions and neurotransmitters work together in the body. She is also well versed on the physiological effects of chiropractic on the regulation of neurotransmitters which she wrote about in her book, “Molecules of Emotion.”

With all the studies and professional opinions to support chiropractic as an important adjunct to mental health care, in my day to day work, I watch a unique evolution in my patients.

They understand the connection between their despair and their comfort level within their own bodies. When pent up tension is released with a chiropractic adjustment, they feel their dysfunction and perceptions detangle allowing them to feel at home in their mental and physical selves.

It is with a positive outlook that I invite anyone with mental health challenges to take advantage of the natural benefits chiropractic offers.

Lisa Ann Homic, M.Ed. D.C., may be contacted at www.DrHomic.com