ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholism is the compulsive use of and craving for alcohol despite negative social and health consequences. One of the most common addictions in American society, over 15 million Americans have alcohol problems and over 100,000 people die every year from complications of this disease. A strong genetic component exists for alcoholism although no single gene has been identified as responsible. Studies show abnormalities in brain neurotransmitter chemistry, specifically low levels of dopamine and serotonin. Hypoglycemia is very common in alcoholics and drinking alcohol is a quick way to raise the blood sugar and alleviate the symptoms. Nutritional deficiencies are extremely common in alcoholics and include mineral and vitamin deficits. Food allergies may contribute to addiction to alcohol, particularly if the food is used to create the alcohol (corn/bourbon, wheat/beer, grapes/wine). Toxic emotions and beliefs can be a big factor in creating and maintaining an alcoholic lifestyle. Feelings of rage, low self-esteem, guilt and inadequacy may be temporarily alleviated by use of alcohol. Inability to accept self-responsibility and to love and accept oneself may contribute to excessive use of alcohol.
Conventional medical treatment of alcoholism
consists of detoxification and drug withdrawal, followed by counseling.
Thirty day inpatient
programs were widely used in the past but the success rate
is no better than a well-run outpatient program. Antabuse
is a drug
used to prevent relapses of drinking. The drug is taken daily
and causes severe nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested.
Naltrexone is an opiod antagonist (narcotic blocker) that reduces
the craving for alcohol.
Alcohols Anonymous is the original 12-step program based on
surrendering to a higher power and working the 12 steps of
the program. Regular
meetings with a support group of other recovering alcoholics
have shown moderately high success rates at maintaining sobriety
in motivated individuals.
Because of abnormal brain biochemistry and nutritional deficiencies,
the cornerstone of an alternative approach to this illness
is a healthy diet and supplements. The diet should emphasize
whole
foods and avoid sugar, caffeine, tobacco and other stimulants.
Chromium helps to stabilize blood sugar. Glutamine increases
levels of GABA, another neurotransmitter that fosters sleep
and relaxation (common problems for detoxifying alcoholics).
Calcium
and magnesium are important in helping proper nervous system
function and decreasing anxiety, irritability and insomnia.
B-vitamins are nearly always deficient in daily drinkers and
need to be
supplemented.
Liver damage is common and can be repaired by taking N-acetylcysteine, lipoic acid, L-carnitine, choline and inositol. The herbs milk thistle and dandelion root supply antioxidant support to the healing liver. Valerian, passionflower and chamomile help to relieve anxiety and tension. Lobelia can reduce craving for nicotine.
Exercise is an important adjunct therapy because it helps stabilize mood, increases physical well being and speeds detoxification. Yoga has been studied and shown to be beneficial in helping recovering alcoholics.
Acupuncture of the ear has been successfully used for over 20 years to treat alcohol and other addictions. This is especially helpful to address the physical craving for alcohol in the early stages of recovery.
Underlying emotional and spiritual distress is always present in alcoholics and should be addressed. Many alcoholics have other mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. These must be treated or risk of relapse is very high. They may be the reason the person began to drink in the first place, as a way to medicate away the distress.
Successful treatment of alcoholics requires a holistic approach since all aspects of people with this illness are usually out of balance. The nutritional approach has been found to lead to a high rate of long term abstinence when combined with the other modalities discussed. However, the first and most important step in recovery is recognition that a problem exists. Alcoholism is a disease of denial and often family, friends and employers must confront the alcoholic with the evidence of the uncontrolled and harmful effects of their drinking in order for them to begin to see the truth about their selves.
Daniel Blodgett MD