Vitamins and Food

Vitamin C
All drugs including alcohol and nicotine drain our system of this important vitamin. Eating a lot of fresh fruit and drinking fresh fruit juice is always the best way of getting it back. Topping up with vitamin C supplements (try to avoid the high sugar ones) is advisable when using, as the body looses more vitamin C than under normal circumstances.

Vitamin B complex
Helps to combat depression and mood swings (comedowns…)

Milk Thistle
Cleanses the liver. This is helpful as the liver together with the kidneys are working double shifts to try to get rid off the toxic spillage that drugs and drink are leaving behind.

Cod liver oil
Comes in capsules (not the scary bottle from the olden days…) helps to boost the immune system and is good for sore joints. Clubbing, dancing, drinking and using can wear heavy on joints; it is to do with dehydration and the synovial fluids (the fluid that keeps our joints moving smoothly).

Echinacea
This is an immune system booster which is beneficial as using weakens the immune system i.e., the body sees all drugs as a poison which it is trying to defend itself from, which then tires the immune system out and makes the body more prone to infections.

Water
Exist in your tap and is one of the best way of cleansing both your liver and kidneys. A couple of pints a day will do wonders.

Food
Eating regularly and healthy (three times a day) is necessary, particular when using. Stretching the body to its limits and then eating snacks instead of meals or only when the munchies kicks in, will not give the body what it needs and will have a negative effect on both mental and physical health. Put time aside for breakfast, lunch and dinner and positive effects such as more energy, better sleeping patterns and less mood swings will show after as little as a week.

Warning
The supplements mentioned above should be taken as advised by the manufacturer (always read the label). They can be bee bought in most health stores and major supermarkets.

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Physical and mental health warning signs

Physical and mental warning signs should be taken serious as they are the bodies and mind’s way of telling us that something isn’t right. Taking a break from using drugs and clubbing, starting to eat regularly, moderate exercise and using relaxation techniques are all ways that will better mental and physical health. Don’t isolate yourself and keep a lid on what you are feeling. Speak about what is going on for you with some one you can trust, friend or professional. It can at times be difficult to break patterns alone but there are people and organisations out there that are willing to help. Telephone numbers and organisation are listed below.

Warning signs to acknowledge are:

Mental health:

Feeling low and without energy for a prolonged period of time
Having negatives thoughts for a prolonged period of time
Feeling anxious or panicky
Experiencing panic attacks
Having problems with sleep, having problems falling asleep, reacquiring nightmares, broken sleep
Acting out off character e.g., being short tempered and angry (mood swings) or bitchy and annoyed.

Physical warning signs:

Weight loss
Acne, bad skin, can be located on the face, neck, shoulders or back.
Dark circles around eyes.
Bleeding gums
Tooth decay
Bad breath
Stomach problems e.g., constipation, diary, cramps, reoccurring heartburn or indigestion
Woman’s menstrual cycle getting irregular

Try to be honest with yourself and remember what you are like when you are not on a comedown. You can experience some of the mental warning signs on a come down, but you are probably using to much if you are displaying a few of the mental and physical warning signs on a regular basis. Pay a visit to our G.P or get in contact with a local health agency and ask about advice on a healthier lifestyle. We at Crew 2000 are happy to help you in the right direction, see above for contact details.

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Ways to get to sleep

Stimulants often have the unwanted effect of disturbing sleep patterns days after you’ve taken them and there is nothing worse than not being able to fall asleep, tossing and turning, thoughts wandering in all kind of directions and checking the time every half hour. It might seem easier to take some valium or smoke a couple of joints, so that you don’t have to lie there stare. Please try not to, there are other ways of doing it.
First make the bedroom inviting, this might seem silly or like a hassle, but it will be easier to relax if it’s kind of tidy. Make it cosy and try to see this is a place for rest, not a place where it is a lot of activity is going on. Chill out for at least ½ an hour before going to bed, this gives your body and mind time to settle down. Try not to look at a thriller and this is not the time to listen to your favourite hard house tune. Have a warm bath or a shower instead and listen to some calm music, make a cup of herbal sleepy tea (listed below) they don’t contain any caffeine and does also contain calming components. They won’t knock you out, but they’ll make you relaxed, particular if you try to use them for a prolonged period of time. Things won’t change over night, but they will improve and it’s definitely worth trying.

Sleepy teas
Night time tea
Sleepy time tea
Vespers (Dr John Stuart)

The main ingredients in these teas are: Valerian root, Lime flower, Hoppes, Scoll Cap, Camomile and Ariva Sativa. Always read the label and follow the guidelines. If you are on anti-depressants make sure that you know if the tea contains St. Johns wort as it can interfere with your medication. Consult your G.P if you are adding herbs to existing mediaction.

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