Alcohol addiction

If alcohol has adversely affected friendships/relationships, interfered with daily routines/responsibilities, affected health, or has preoccupied the mind so that everything revolves around its presence, alcoholism is definitely a threat. There are a number of ways to help with the treatment of Alcoholism on the road to your recovery the first being to address the condition as an addiction to alcohol.

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Alcohol addiction is believed to be caused by morphine-like substances which arise from acetaldehyde and dopamine in the brain. Alcohol also increases the release of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in the brain. PGE1 has been shown to elevate mood and the suggestion has been put that the craving for alcohol is due to a drastic fall in PGE1 in the alcoholic brain.

Alcohol is broken down in the liver. The toxic effect of alcohol on the liver is very serious and in some cases will need Alcohol Treatment. The alcoholic will first experience a fatty degeneration of cells in the liver. Next the alcoholic will develop hepatitis, a condition in which the liver cells become inflamed and die. The usually fatal final stage is cirrhosis of the liver - less alcohol is needed to produce intoxication, and as drinking continues, fat cells grow and rupture - killing the liver cells and leaving scars.

For regular drinkers, there are ulcers of the stomach and intestines, colitis, deterioration of the muscles including the heart, and premature fatigue when exercising. Increased lung infections, including emphysema and cancer of the lungs, throat, and mouth are common in those who also smoke. The high amount of carbohydrate in the alcohol may cause hypoglycaemia, which may contribute to further craving for alcohol.

Mental disorders occur (even schizophrenia in some). Kidney, bladder, and prostate damage, loss of function in the testicles, damage to the adrenal glands leading to feminisation and impotence in men, and failure of the ovaries in women and early menopause are all repercussions of excessive intake of alcohol.

Prolonged dependence on alcohol may result in severe problems in the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The brain shrinks with even moderate use of alcohol, with damage being limited to the amount taken. Because the liver is able to regenerate itself, the early stages of liver disease are reversible. Abstinence and an adequate diet are necessary for this transformation.

Alcoholics may be divided into 2 distinct groups:

1. The Nor-Adrenergic Type. (Low levels of brain noradrenalin, serotonin and dopamine have been observed)

80% of alcoholics fit into this group. Drinking alcohol improves their mood, however, excessive drinking results in sedation, sombulance and hangovers. Withdrawal results in increased consumption of stimulants such as coffee or nicotine. Symptoms of withdrawal range from palpitations, high blood pressure, tremors of the hand, epilepsy and panic attacks. These individuals respond well to Vitamin B3 and Tyrosine.

2. The Serotonin Type. (Alcohol raises brain levels of noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine - the opposite to the first group)

20% of alcoholics fall into this group. These individuals find alcohol an excellent antidepressant and need to drink to stay normal. Prefrontal lobe damage results in judgement loss - they find it difficult to recognise their state of inebriation. Withdrawal results in hallucinations, distortion of perception, night terrors and vision disturbances such as nystagmus. These individuals respond well to Tryptophan and Glutamine.

Severe deficiencies of many nutrients occur not only because of the absorption problems, but also because the alcohol itself satisfies the body's caloric needs. Alcohol contains about 70 calories per ounce and is pure carbohydrate, but contains no vitamins or minerals that are needed for carbohydrate metabolism. In order for breakdown to happen, vitamins and minerals are taken from other parts of the body, leading to many deficiencies and tissue depletion.

Alcoholics commonly suffer from dysbiosis - the intestinal microflora is severely deranged in alcoholics. Colonisation of the small bowel by endotoxin producing bacteria may lead to malabsorption of fats, carbohydrates, protein, Folic acid and B12 and impaired liver function. The intestine also becomes damaged in alcoholism, which then interferes with the absorption of all nutrients. Restoring gut flora, correcting digestion, repairing gut permeability and improving liver detoxification are essential for complete recovery.

Many essential nutrients are not retained for use by the body; they are rapidly eliminated through the alcoholic's urine. Vitamin and mineral interactions show that alcohol interferes with or diminishes the stores of Vitamins B1,B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, A, D and the minerals Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Selenium. Alcohol consumption impairs the absorption of the enzymes in the liver that activates these vitamins. B1 is the one nutrient that alcohol interferes with the most; therefore it is essential to supplement. A deficiency of B1 causes Wernicke's disease - symptoms are ataxia, abnormal eye movements, and walking abnormalities.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K in an emulsion are needed. Vitamins D, E, and K are poorly absorbed when the liver is damaged, and while Vitamin A is still absorbed, even when moderate amounts of alcohol are consumed, its stores are depleted from the liver. Alcohol depletes Zinc, making the alcoholic more prone to cirrhosis of the liver and preventing Vitamin K (an essential blood-clotting agent) from being absorbed into the body. A Zinc tally test will determine the extent of deficiency, and thus the correct way to approach correcting the deficiency. Iron is needed to correct the anaemia that often develops. Vitamin C, which is often deficient in alcoholics, can reduce the effects of acute and chronic alcohol toxicity - given intravenously it can benefit the alcoholic even psychologically.

Vitamin B6, B12 and A are metabolically altered. B6 is let go from its protein binding and is destroyed. Intrinsic factor is inhibited which does not allow Vitamin B12 to be absorbed. In water from the kidneys, Zinc, Magnesium, Potassium are excreted, creating deficiencies.

The Vitamin B complex is essential for the prevention of alcoholic neuritis, pellagra, and delirium tremens. Vitamin B3 helps metabolise alcohol at both stages, and reduce the acetaldehyde levels and thus possibly reduce craving for alcohol. Pantothine speeds up the body's detoxification process by lowering the blood levels of acetaldehyde, a major negative factor in long term alcohol consumption. Vitamin B3 is a detoxicant for toxins, pollutants and drugs, including alcohol, and by mouth can benefit the alcoholic even psychologically. Vitamins B6, B9 and B12 eliminate homocysteine, an identified factor in the aetiology of depression. When alcohol is consumed, the liver sends all of its folic acid into the blood and onto the kidneys to be expelled - which causes a deficiency.

GABA agonists have also been found to be effective in relieving alcohol intoxication. The nutritional precursor of GABA is Glutamine. 2 grams of L-Glutamine and 1 gram L-Carnitine may be important to reduce the craving for alcohol. 5HTP and B15 (pangamic acid) may also have the same effect. L-Tyrosine helps to relieve stress so may act as an antidepressant - this aids withdrawal from all drugs including alcohol. DLPA inhibits the enzyme enkephalinase that breaks down endorphins. This enables a mood-elevating increase in endogenous opioid's - the effect being antidepressant and reducing craving. SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) is a methyl donor that helps our bodies make the "feel good" hormones serotonin, dopamine and noradrenalin. PPMP would be useful for stress and anxiety and would help in the treatment of DT's.

Carnitine reverses alcohol-induced fatty liver, normalises fatty acid transport, and, alcohol causes a relative carnitine deficiency. Phosphatidylcholine may aid withdrawal from addictions - it also repairs liver cells. To reverse fatty liver - lecithin (choline - aids in the decomposition of fats in the liver and helps maintain health in the kidneys jeopardised by heavy drinking, and inositol), methionine and taurine have been proven to reverse fatty liver. Used to support a stressed liver and to help detoxify alcohol, whilst protecting against progressive liver damage.

Essential Fatty Acid's have been found to be beneficial in alcoholism, reducing alcohol-related liver problems, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and alcohol-related CNS impairments. Supplementation with GLA has been found to reduce the craving for alcohol (it is a precursor for the mood elevating PGE1), and EPA/DHA from fish oil also has beneficial effects.

Excessive alcohol consumption depletes Magnesium levels. Magnesium supplementation has been found to alleviate many of the side effects of alcoholism, also alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Magnesium deficiency can contribute to the occurrence of delirium tremens.

Liver tissue damage is largely due to the oxidative stress induced by excessive free radical generation during chemical and drug detoxification. Glutathione is a powerful promoter of liver detoxification and also the primary antioxidant in hepatocyte's. Selenium is a well known antioxidant used for its detoxifying effects for alcohol, and it may also guard against fatty liver. L-Arginine helps to protect the liver and to detoxify harmful substances as does N-acetyl-cysteine.

Protein is necessary for tissue regeneration, particularly when cirrhosis occurs. Protein synthesis is inhibited in the brain. The liver is kept from releasing protein nutrients, which along with a poor diet can cause a protein deficiency. Amino acid transport is interfered with, so even if protein is consumed, little true nutrition is being used. Protein deficiencies lead to infection and fat is deposited in the arteries, heart, and liver.

Silymarin is an extract of Milk Thistle that helps to repair damage done to the liver. It also protects the liver from further damage. Valerian and Kava are valuable for their calming effect. These herbs help with palpitations, anxiety, and stress so may be of assistance prior to, and during, withdrawal. Adrenal support may also be indicated if the person is feeling tired and rundown - herbs such as Withania, Siberian or Korean Ginseng, and Liquorice may be of benefit. Antioxidants are very important to reduce oxidative damage - Green tea extract is particularly good. A herbal formula like Astra forte is useful to build up a decrepit immune system and a tonic like Multi Vital is excellent at rebuilding and repairing generally all body systems.

Colostrum may be used to repair ulcers and any other damage done to the intestinal wall. Primadophilus is also useful to restore the balance of intestinal microflora. If dysbiosis is severe, a product such as Candaid may be required to kill off pathogenic yeast.

Homoeopathic treatment may be useful in conjunction with nutritional and herbal support. Constitutional prescribing requires the expertise of a Homoeopath but the following remedies may also help:

Arsenicum-type people are typically overanxious, restless, fearful perfectionists. He/she has a driven nature and suffers from a meticulousness, which creates a high strung and nervous individual. They may have various fears and anxieties, especially about their health (they are often hypochondriacs), future, and financial status - all of which are heightened when they are alone and diminished when they are with others. Symptoms are worse late at night, and because they tend to be perfectionists, they usually require things to be "just right" in order to fall asleep. Alcohol and drugs may be used to help them slow down and relax. Physically they are usually thin, fine-haired, delicate skinned, with a pale or alabaster complexion. They are particularly sensitive to the cold.

Nux vomica are hurried and impulsive, like Arsenicum, but Nux people are more prone to irritability, anger and maliciousness. They are dissatisfied, rarely content, hypercritical of others, impatient and jealous. They are very competitive, classic type A's, prone to being workaholics - as a result of their hyperactivity, they often become hypertensive and prone to heart disease. Tend to be extremely self-reliant. Nux people tend to over emphasise achievement, to such a degree that their lives become dominated by their work. Physically they are husky, solid, and muscular, or they may be lean, bent forward, and withered. They tend to overeat, with cravings for fats, spicy foods, and milk. They sustain their hyperactive nature by drinking coffee, imbibing alcohol, and taking various stimulants. They are therefore prone to alcoholism, drug abuse and malnutrition. They may be friendly when they are sober, however, when they are drunk or high, they tend to be abusive, cruel and violent.

The syphilitic miasmic remedy is indicated for stubborn and sullen types. They are mentally dull, heavy, stupid, and prone to alcoholism and violence. In extreme cases they have a desire to destroy things, kill others and commit suicide.

If the alcoholic wishes to regain control of his life, he must avoid all alcohol. Since one sip of alcohol can renew the drinking pattern, total abstinence is the only way that the alcoholic can exercise control over this disease. Complications that can interfere with recovery are concurrent drug use, hypoglycaemia, and food allergies. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen in any dose should not be taken in combination with any amount of alcohol over any period of time.

Nutritional and Herbal support for Alcoholism include:

Multi Power - Alcohol abuse and associated poor dietary habits produce multiple nutrient deficiencies requiring high dose vitamin/mineral therapy.

Liverite - A liver tonic with Milk Thistle (liver protector and repairer), Bupleurum (Chinese liver herb), Dandelion (for liver and gallbladder congestion), Globe Artichoke (similar to Milk Thistle and lowers cholesterol), Barberry (similar to Dandelion and repairs gut lining), and Taurine (required by the liver for the removal of toxic chemicals and metabolites from the body).

Efamarine - EPA/DHA - Essential Fatty Acids to aid with repair of liver and nervous system, and to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.

5HTP - Is the active intermediate metabolite between L-Tryptophan and serotonin. Serotonin is involved in controlling the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour and pain sensation. May also increase availability of melatonin, dopamine, noradrenalin and beta-endorphin.

Adrenal Support - Provides bovine sourced adrenal extract in combination with several vitamins, minerals and botanicals. These nutrients work together to provide support in cases of low adrenal function, which may present as low energy, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, an inability to cope with stress and reduced resistance to infection.

B Complex - To prevent problems associated with alcohol, restore depleted levels and to aid detoxification and withdrawal.

Glutamine - To assist with withdrawal symptoms and repair the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Magnesium - To replace depleted levels and to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Some important points about Alcoholism:

If you suspect someone of alcohol abuse, encourage the person to seek professional care. In the early stages of care, the alcoholic will need plenty of rest, good nutrition, and supplements to assist in the repair of bodily damage. Patience will be needed for the long, slow road to recovery.

Food allergies may contribute to alcoholic cravings, and many alcoholics have food sensitivities particularly to foods from which alcohol has been derived. Test for food sensitivities by following the grand elimination diet. Eliminate all foods commonly associated with alcohol production, i.e., wheat, oats, grapes, yeast, barley, malt, corn, and potato. If a sensitivity exists, consumption of the offending food may have a tendency to aggravate the withdrawal phase as well as promote drinking. Alcohol cravings may also be due to a nutritional deficiency.

Eat 5 to 6 meals per day that are a combination of good quality fats, protein and complex carbohydrates.

Support digestion by supplementing with digestive enzymes. Pineapple, or, Kiwifruit prior to meals may also be helpful.

Follow the suggestions given for liver problems.

The latest research has found that children of alcoholics are more inclined to use drugs, including cocaine. These children are 400 times more likely to use drugs than those who do not have a family history of alcohol addiction. Studies conducted in Sweden revealed that babies of alcoholics who were adopted by non-alcoholic families eventually became alcoholic, indicating a correlation between chemical dependency and genetics.

Reduce social stress through group support or counselling.

It is best to avoid tranquilisers as there is a danger of substituting one drug addiction for another. Sobriety should be drug free. Avoid all tea, coffee, cigarette smoking or any other addiction. Continuation of any food or chemical habit reduces the rate of success of this program.

Withdrawal symptoms can be limited by taking bicarbonate of soda, GLA/EFA, Niacin, Tryptophan, Magnesium buffered with Vitamin C, and DLPA.

Eat more garlic, onions, ginger, asparagus and egg yolk.

Some physicians use the drug Antabuse to help alcoholics stay sober. Those on this drug will experience nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, blurred vision, and even an impending feeling of death if they even take a small sip of alcohol. Abstention from alcohol often results with use of this drug.

It may be helpful for recovering alcoholics to avoid people, things, and places that are associated with their drinking days. New friendships should be made with people who don't drink. Taking up a hobby, becoming involved in sports, and exercising will promote self-esteem and provide a productive outlet for energy.

A support group worth contacting is Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is a link to their website Alcoholics Anonymous .

Most liquid herbs contain a small percentage of ethanol. If an alternative is not available in capsule or tablet form, tip each dose of herbs into a small amount of freshly boiled water (i.e. still very hot) and leave to cool before taking. This will evaporate the alcohol off.

 

The effects of drug and alcohol abuse only get worse if an addict or alcoholic cannot be made to see the damage he or she is causing themselves or to those around them.

At an alcohol and drug treatment center, people with a drug addiction can finally get the chance to clean up and reclaim their lives.

 

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.