-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
mental/emotional
Alcoholism
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Alcoholism is the habit of consuming alcohol to the point that it interferes with social or work obligations. A person is addicted when abstaining from alcohol consumption is extremely difficult. Long-term alcohol consumption can cause liver and heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blood sugar disorders such as diabetes. Alcoholism is a leading cause of death and disease.

Some signs of alcoholism are depression, loss of friends, arrest for drunk driving, and frequent accidents. Other signs include drinking before breakfast, drinking while alone, periods of black-outs, and missing work days because of drinking.

The following suggestions can be helpful for alcoholism. A desire to be cured is an essential part of the program. Establish a good relationship with a counselor, who specializes in alcoholism, and with your local Alcoholic Anonymous; this number is availabe in the white pages.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED, AND CAN BE TAKEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS:

1. B-vitamins – These are robbed from the body by alcohol and can be replaced with 50 milligrams of a B-complex 3 times a day and additional vitamin B1 – 250 milligrams per day.

2. Vitamin C –1,000 milligrams, 3 times a day.

3. A multivitamin tablet – taken according to label instructions.

4. Glutamine, which is an amino acid – 2 to 4 grams per day may reduce alcohol cravings.


REGARDING THE DIET USED FOR ALCOHOLISM:
Stablilizing the blood sugar levels is necessary for successful treatment. In order to do that you should:

1. Abstain from alcohol.

2. Eliminate sugar-containing foods such as candy, pastries, and things that contain sucrose or corn syrup.

3. Eat a serving of whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, millet, or other whole grains at least once a day.

4. Eat at least 1 serving per day of vegetables such as cooked greens, salads, and beans.

5. Take brewer's or nutritional yeast – 1 to 2 tablespoons a day.

HERBS USED FOR ALCOHOLISM:

1. Milk Thistle (in tablet or capsule form) – 250 milligrams 3 times per day. You could also use 1 tablespoon of the Milk Thistle seeds per day. Chew on these raw or powder in a blender and sprinkle over food. An extract from the seeds of Milk Thistle has been known to aid in repair of the liver damage done by alcohol.

2. Celandine (tablets or capsules) – 250 milligrams 3 times a day.

3. A tea, with calming properties, is made from a mixture of the following herbs: Passionflower, Chamomile, Skullcap, and Oatstraw. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink a minimum of 4 cups a day.


HOMEOPATHY:

• Nux. Vomica 30c: This is one of the most common homeopathic remedies used to help in the treatment of this disease. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue once daily, 1 hour before or after eating or taking other medicines.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with alcoholism. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.


AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES:

• A gradual exercise program should be started, 30 minutes per day, every day if possible.

• Remember that the counseling and AA meetings are extremely important and must be maintained over a long period of time.


Clinic


Footnotes

Baker H. A vitamin profile of alcoholism. Internat J Vit Nutr Res 1983 (suppl 24):179.

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.

Biery JR, Williford JH, McMullen EA. Alcohol craving in rehabilitation: assessment of nutrition therapy. J Am Dietet Assoc 1991;91:463-466.

Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.

Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-189.

Embry CK, Lippmann S. Use of magnesium sulfate in alcohol withdrawal. Am Fam Phys 1987;35:167-170.

Faulstich H, Jahn W, Wieland T. Silibinin inhibition of amatoxin uptake in the perfused rat liver. Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1980;30:452-454.

Feher J, Lang I, et al. Free radicals in tissue damage in liver diseases and therapeutic approach. Tokai J Exp Clin Med 1986;11:121-134.

Guenther RM. Role of nutritional therapy in alcoholism treatment. Int J Biosoc Res 1983;4:5-18.

Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acids, prostaglandins, and alcoholism: an overview. Alcoholism: Clin Exper Res 1987;11:2-9.

Morgan MY, Levine JA. Alcohol and nutrition. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1988;47:85-98.

Replgle WH, Eicke FJ. Megavitamin therapy in the reduction of anxiety and depression among alcoholics. J Orthomol Med 1988;4:221-224.

Werbach MR. Alcohol craving. Internat J Alternative Complementary Med Jul 1993:32.