Alcoholism

An intense physical and psychological dependence on alcohol is the hallmark of alcoholism-which many consider a chronic disease, like diabetes or hypertension. Though alcohol appears to protect the heart when taken in moderation, excessive drinking over time can damage the liver, pancreas, intestine, brain, and other organs. It can also cause malnutrition when empty alcohol calories replace a nourishing diet.

Drinking has a social component: It makes most people feel talkative and relaxed. Precisely why some people pursue alcohol to excess remains a mystery; psychosocial factors play a role, but there seems to be a strong genetic component as well. Indeed, children of alcoholics are at high risk for the disease, even when raised in non drinking households.

Supplements and herbs

The recommended supplements, all of which can be taken together, can play several important roles in weaning problem drinkers from alcohol and helping them through the initial recovery period, which may last for weeks or even months. In addition to supplements, prescription drugs are usually needed to help weather withdrawal symptoms.

Most heavy drinkers are deficient in important nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C, and amino acids (protein), because they do not consume a healthy diet and because alcohol has toxic effects; it may be beneficial to continue therapy for several months, or longer, to help restore depleted nutrients. Vitamin C can help to strengthen the body during this difficult period, clearing alcohol from the tissues and reducing mild withdrawal symptoms; it is most useful when taken with vitamin E. The B complex vitamins, the amino acid glutamine, and extracts from the kudzu vine appear to reduce the craving. Be sure to take extra thiamin as well to help ease withdrawal symptoms. The herb milk thistle, the amino acid NAC (N-acetylcysteine), and phosphatidylcholine (500 mg three times a day) strengthen the liver, helping it rid the body of toxins.

The mineral chromium should be taken to prevent fatigue caused by low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a common problem in alcoholics. Evening primrose oil provides the fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid); this substance stimulates production of a brain chemical called prostaglandin E, which works to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and depression. lt also assists in protecting the liver and nervous system. The herb kava is a natural sedative that can aid sleep.

Aromatherapy

Commonly used essential oils for alcoholism:

• Fennel

Homeopathy

Take Quirke's for several months, in low potency or tincture form, while using other indicated remedies in a 30c, once or twice daily. For acute alcoholic intoxication, or to prevent hangover, take hourly doses.

• Agaricus
  Acute alcoholism; antidotes hangover. Wild rage, but final indifference.
  Delirium with incoherent talk, raving, manic states, making rhymes.
  Alcoholic headache. Trembling, twitching, jerking, unsteady walk, motions.
  Sensations of ice-cold needles, burning or tingling. Sensitive spine.
  Worse: cold, intercourse, eating, touch, menses, pressure, before storms.
• Arsenicum
  Chronic and acute effects of alcohol. Chilly, but burning pains. Pale, emaciated with puffiness. Foul, acrid, scanty discharges. Short of breath. Constant thirst for cold sips. Extreme anxious restlessness, though very weak. Nervous, fearful, guilt-ridden. Fears death, feels incurable. Miserly. Worse: midnight, I to 2 a.m., exertion. Better: heat, warm food, company.
• Lachesis
  Chronic alcoholism. Dusky complexion, choking sensation around the neck. Red nose. Easy bleeding, nosebleed, bruising. Cold legs and feet. Alcoholic diarrhea, nausea, indigestion. Trembling, cramps, hot flashes. Jesting and incessant, wandering talk. Hurried, impatient, suspicious. Worse: morning, after sleep, heat, light, touch, pressure. Better: open air.
• Nux vomica
  Antidotes the effects of alcohol, removes hangover. Delirium tremens. Nervous, weak; twitching and trembling. Cramps, spasms and tension. Overeating, abuse of drugs, coffee. Constipation, unrefreshed sleep. Weak, unsteady. Irritable, critical, argumentative, driven, demanding. Worse: early a.m., cold, touch, light, noise, pressure. Better: warm drinks.

What else you can do

• Join a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
• Try acupuncture. lt may reduce the craving for alcohol.

How much to take

Vitamin C / Vitamin E

1,000 mg vitamin C 3 times a day; 400 IU vitamin E daily.
Vitamin C helps boost the effects of vitamin E.

Vitamin B complex

1 pill, plus extra 100 mg thiamin, each morning with food.
Look for a B-50 complex with 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 50 mg all other B vitamins.

Amino acids

Mixed amino acid complex (see label for dosage amount) plus L-glutamine (500 mg twice a day), NAC (500 mg twice a day), and GABA {750 mg twice a day}.
For best absorption, take on an empty stomach.

Kudzu

150 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to contain at least 0.95% daidzen.

Milk thistle

250 mg 3 times a day between meals.
Standardized to contain at least 70% silymarin.

Chromium

200 mcg twice a day.
Take with food or a full glass of water.

Evening primrose oil

1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Can substitute 1,000 mg borage oil once a day.

Kava

250 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to contain at least 30% kavalactones.

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