Alcoholism

Abstinence is the best course for those who can't control their drinking. Although not a cure, various supplements may help heavy drinkers overcome their craving for alcohol, support them during the taxing withdrawal period and set them on the road to recovery.

What it is  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 in moderation appears to protect the heart, excessive drinking over time can damage the liver, pancreas, intestine, brain, and other organs. It can also cause malnutrition when empty alcohol kilojoules replace a nourishing diet.

What causes it  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 higher risk of developing the disease, even when they are raised in non drinking households.


SYMPTOMS

•  Constantly seeking opportunities to drink; being unable to cut intake; putting alcohol before family , friends and work.
• Needing more and more alcohol to achieve the same effect.
• Reacting indignantly to criticism of drinking.; adamantly denying the problem.
• Experiencing withdrawal signs (tremors, seizures and hallucinations) if drinking is stopped.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

• If you drink before breakfast.
• If binges last 48 hours or more.
• If you have blackouts or falls.
• If you routinely turn to alcohol to relieve stress or pain.
• If your drinking is ruining your personal relationships.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Supplement recommendations
SUPPLEMENT	DOSAGE	COMMENTS
Vitamin C / Vitamin E	1000 mg vitamin C 3 times a day; 500 IU vitamin E daily with food.	Vitamin C helps boost the effect of Vitamin E.
Vitamin B complex	1 pill, plus extra 100 me thiamine, each morning with food.	Choose a B-complex with 150 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).	For best absorption take on an empty stomach.
Kudzu	150 mg 3 times a day.	Standardised to contain at least 0.95% daidzen.
Milk thistle	250 mg 3 times a day between meals.	Standardised to contain at least 70% silymarin.
Chromium	200 mcg twice a day.	Take with food or a full glass of water.
Evening primrose oil	1000 mg 3 times a day with food.	Can substitute starflower oil.
Kava	250 mg 3 times a day.	Standardised to contain at least 3.5% javapyrones.

How supplements can help  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 to weeks, or even months. In addition to supplements, prescription drugs are usually needed to help people to weather withdrawal symptoms.
Most heavy drinkers are deficient in important nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C and amino acids (protein), because they don't have a healthy diet and because alcohol has toxic effects. It may be beneficial to continue therapy for several months or more to help restore depleted nutrients. Vitamin C can help to strengthen the body during this difficult period, clearing alcohol from the tissues and ameliorating mild withdrawal symptoms; it is most useful when taken with vitamin E. The B-complex vitamins, the amino acids glutamine and kudzu vine extracts (from Chinese herbalists) appear to reduce the craving. Take extra thiamine as well to ease withdrawal symptoms. The herb milk thistle and phosphatidylcholine (500 mg three times a day) strengthen the liver, helping it to rid the body of toxins.
The mineral chromium should be taken to prevent cravings caused by low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), 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 prosraglandin E, which works to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and depression. It also helps to protect the liver and nervous system. The herbs kava and valerian are both natural sedatives.

What else you can do

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

Source - The Healing Power of Vitamins Minerals and Herbs (Readers Digest)