Alcoholism and Vitamins

Alcoholism in America is at epidemic proportions. For those who cannot control their drinking, abstinence is the best course of action. There are various supplements that can help an alcoholic kick the habit and help ease the craving during the withdrawal process.

Alcoholism has many symptoms and most are easily spotted. An alcoholic will constantly be looking for an excuse or opportunity to drink. They will be unable to cut their intake of alcohol and will begin putting drinks before their family, friends, and job. As the disease progresses, it takes more and more alcohol to achieve the same affect as before. The “buzz” is harder to obtain. If someone mentions their drinking, they may become defensive and deny having a problem. If they stop drinking for a time, they may experience tremors, seizures, and hallucinations as they begin the withdrawal process.

There are certain signs that it is time to get help with your alcohol problem. It will be time to call the doctor and seek help if you drink before breakfast, if you have blackouts, if you fall, and if your binges are lasting more than 48 hours. If you are turning to alcohol to ease pain or relieve stress, or if it is interfering with your relationships you need to contact a professional. Always talk to your medical professional before you start taking supplements.

Alcoholism is considered a chronic disease just like hypertension and diabetes. Excessive drinking can damage the liver, pancreas, and intestine; adversely affect the brain and other important organs in your body. Alcoholism could be considered a social disease because it lowers inhibitions and allows people to feel relaxed and talkative. Sometimes too talkative! Alcoholism is thought to have a strong genetic link. Children of parents of alcoholics are at higher risk than those children brought up in a nonalcoholic home.

Supplements can help play an important role in helping alcoholics wean themselves away from alcohol. Several important roles can be played by supplements in helping alcoholics begin the road to recovery. Prescription drugs may also be proscribed to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Supplements may be needed for weeks or months to help an alcoholic get through the stages of withdrawal.

Most people who drink heavily are deficient in several important essential nutrients often because of an unhealthy diet and the toxic affects of alcohol. Vitamin C is important to help strengthen the body during the withdrawal period. It helps clear the tissues of alcohol and reduces withdrawal symptoms. It seems to work best with taken with vitamin E.

The B complex vitamins are also important in reducing the pain of alcohol withdrawal. The amino acid glutamine help reduce the craving for alcohol. Extracts from the kudzu vine also help the craving. In research trials with hamsters and monkeys, extract from the kudzu vine cut alcohol consumption by 25 to 50 percent.

Milk thistle is also showing promising signs of helping to red the liver of toxins and to strengthen the liver. The amino acid called N-acetylcysteine is found in this product. Chromium also can be added as a supplement to prevent fatigue caused by low blood sugar.

Recovering alcoholics can make their recovery easier by joining a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.