A 2020 study published in Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry analyzed effects of low-dose lithium treatment on people with addiction. The majority of the patients had other diagnoses, such as ADHD, PTSD, and depression. 

The author of the study was also the medical director of the Center for Recovery and Wellness based in Manhattan, New York. Some of his patients received 150 mg/day of lithium carbonate in addition to standard treatment, which included:

• Medication assisted treatment, such as Buprenorphine and Naloxone for opiate dependence 

• Dialectic behavioral therapy

• Motivational interviewing

• Housing placement

• Educational and vocational assistance

Participants in the experimental group received 150 mg/day of lithium carbonate, while the regular dose for treatment of bipolar disorder is 600-1,800 mg/day. This small dose is considered “subtherapeutic” and safe. Tests couldn't detect lithium in the blood. Side effects of lithium carbonate treatment did not disturb patients.

Results of the lithium treatment included:

• Average opiate dose reduced by 50%

• Benzodiazepine use dropped by 99%

• Use of atypical antipsychotics dropped by 70%

• Smoking cessation participation increased by 300%

• First month retention improved by 25%

• The employment rate and readiness both doubled

• Overall program completion improved by 20%

Moreover, a separate rat study with lithium ascorbate showed that lithium supported brain restoration after alcohol damage. Despite the limitations of these studies, lithium appears to be a promising treatment option for people with addiction.

Want to Learn More? Read These Articles:

• Lithium Ascorbate Helps Protect the Brain from Alcohol Damage

• Microdosing Lithium Can Benefit Your Brain, Heart, and Health

• Lithium Ascorbate Shows Neuroprotective Promise With Low Toxicity and High Efficacy