Ailments and Situations - Alcoholism - Remedies

- Amino Acids -

Amino Acids

Carnitine has been shown to inhibit alcohol-induced fatty liver disease. It helps promote the breakdown of fats and improves liver function. Take 300mg three times daily.

Cysteine and glutathione have been shown to protect the liver from damage due to alcohol consumption. Take 500mg of cysteine, twice daily, and 300mg of glutathione.

Glutamine helps regulate brain function and is used as a source of fuel for the brain. It is excellent for the treatment of alcoholism and to prevent alcohol poisoning. Studies also show it can lower your cravings for alcohol. Take 1,000mg twice daily.

Taurine may help reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Take 500 to 1,000mg daily in divided doses.

- Herbs -

Herbs

Dandelion root will help detoxify the liver. Gently boil 2 to 3 teaspoons powdered root per cup of water for 15 minutes. Let cool. Drink up to 3 cups daily

Milk Thistle can aid liver detoxification and can also repair liver damage. You should use a supplement containing at least 70 to 80 percent silymarin (the active ingredient). Take 70 to 210mg three times daily. You can take a higher dose if liver damage is severe.

- Homeopathy -

Homeopathy

Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy.

Crotalus-Horridus: For people who have a lot of varicosities on the nose and the lips and liver spots on the skin. Drowsy but cannot sleep. Numbness with a lot of trembling.

Lachesis: For chronic alcoholics. Becomes very sentimental when drinks. Cannot tolerate any tightness around the neck. Trembles.

Nux Vomica: Good for all stages of alcoholism. There is always need for stimulation. Gets drunk easily and sometimes becomes violent. Desires for beer, whisky, and brandy. The more one drinks, the more thirsty one becomes for alcohol. Can become sexually immoral. Ineffectual urge for stool, hearing impaired when drunk, trembling, hallucinations, highly sensitive.

Opium: For later stages of alcoholism. Person is obese, has a dark red face, and is always hot. Desires for brandy, beer, and liquor. Small amount of alcohol will cause trembling.

Sulphur: Drinking occurs only when depressed. Drinks on the sly and wants to drink alone.

Sulphuric-Acid: For later stages of alcoholism or chronic alcoholics. The person is very physically weak. Constant internal trembling, sensation of coldness in the stomach, cravings for acidic fruits, bruises and bleeds easily.

- Food Supplements -

Food Supplements

The intestinal flora of alcoholics is severely compromised. Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.

Supplementing with an omega 6 fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil may decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and may prevent liver damage. Take 500 to 1,000mg daily.

Pantethine may help prevent liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis due to alcohol abuse. Take 300mg two to three times daily.

- Lifestyle -

Lifestyle

A well balanced diet is imperative for the prevention of alcohol-related diseases. It can also curb cravings and reduce symptoms of withdrawal. Alcohol inhibits the absorption of many vitamins and other nutrients. It also impairs the absorption of water and salt.

In one experiment, 32 people with hypertension were given a diet whereby 62 percent of the calories they consumed were from raw foods. These patients ate this diet for an average of 6.7 months. Eighty percent of the patients that smoked or drank alcohol spontaneously stopped doing so.

Social treatment includes getting help with problems at work, and especially, inclusion of family members in the treatment process. It is strongly advised by many leading authorities to join a self-help organization such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This type of group therapy has been touted as the most effective approach to remaining sober. Find one in your area in which you feel comfortable with, that has members with similar interests. A contact for AA is listed below.

- Minerals -

Minerals

Chromium will help to stabilize blood sugar levels (which helps to prevent cravings). Take 200mcg daily.

Magnesium is often deficient in alcoholics and also prevents withdrawal symptoms. Take 250 to 500mg daily.

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Take 200mcg daily or eat brazil nuts. This mineral should be taken along with vitamins C and E to enhance its effects.

Zinc deficiency has been noted in alcoholics and supplementation can help prevent alcohol toxicity. Take 25 to 50mg daily.

- Therapies, Healing Aids and More -

Therapies, Healing Aids and More

Exercise is a great way to help decrease stress levels. Take up a new sport or join a health club. Many health clubs provide fitness instructors or trainers that can help design a fitness program that is right for you and that you can enjoy. It is also fun to go with a friend.

- Vitamins -

Vitamins

Folic acid also helps prevent complications due to alcoholism. Low folate levels have also been associated with depression. Take 1mg daily.

Vitamin A deficiency is quite common among those who are alcohol dependent. The deficiency can lead to several common disorders associated with alcoholism (night blindness, skin disorders, etc.). One animal study showed that supplementation with vitamin A inhibited alcohol consumption by male rats. However, the same was not true of female rats. The suggested dose for vitamin A supplementation is 25,000 IU daily. This should be supplemented ONLY if you are currently abstaining from alcohol AND if there is no evidence of liver damage.

Vitamin B Complex is often deficient in alcoholic and this in turn may increase cravings for alcohol. Take 50mg twice daily.

Vitamin B₁ is a key vitamin that is often deficient in those dealing with this condition. Thimine deficiency may be responsible for Wernicke's Syndrome. Supplementation will help restore B₁ levels and help reduce alcohol cravings. It may also be beneficial for those suffering from alcohol psychosis. Take 50 to 100mg daily. It is likely you will require higher doses, administered by injection. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner.

Vitamin B₃, or niacin, supplementation can reduce toxicity and alcohol craving. Take 250mg twice daily. Do not be alarmed if you experience a "Niacin Flush". This natural dilation of blood vessels around your limbs at upper chest area will subside after approximately 15 minutes.

B₁₂ helps prevent complications due to alcoholism. Take 1,000mcg daily in sublingual form.

Studies with vitamin C show that it helps to reduce the effects of alcohol toxicity. Vitamin C may help to prevent fatty infiltration of the liver. It has also been shown that higher levels of vitamin C in white blood cells is associated with a faster rate of detoxification and removal of alcohol from the bloodstream. Take 1,000mg three times daily. This vitamin should be taken with vitamin E and selenium to enhance its effects.

Vitamin E is a well known antioxidant. It protects the liver from damage. It also can prevent fatty infiltration of the liver. Take 400 to 800 IU daily. This vitamin should be taken with vitamin C and selenium to enhance its effects.