Do you feel you need to cut down on drinking alcohol?
Do you feel annoyed when criticized about how much you drink?
Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
Do you need an eye-opener — or a morning drink to get your day started?
If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of the above questions, you may be suffering from alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is a debilitating condition that negatively impacts your health, friendships, and family. A health care provider can discuss different approaches on how to best reduce your alcohol intake. The content discussed below is not meant to substitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a health care provider. It is important to seek counsel from a physician if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism.
How is alcoholism diagnosed?
In addition to binge drinking, improper use of alcohol can range from mild to severe. Severity is determined by how many symptoms the patient has, like craving alcohol or drinking more than expected.
Medical research has revealed different subtypes of alcoholism. Some are multigenerational and thus more likely seen in family members. Others have increased risk of an underlying mood disorder, like depression or anxiety. A patient’s willingness to seek help can also vary by subtype.
What is the link between anxiety and alcohol?
A common thought among medical providers is that some patients ‘self-medicate’ with alcohol to manage underlying anxiety. Current literature shows that these persons are at increased risk for persistent alcohol dependence.
How does alcoholism affect my health?
Alcohol is broken down and removed by our liver. This decreases our stores of vitamins and other important nutrients, which can lead to fatigue, depression, and tremors. Alcohol can affect many different body systems, including our brain, heart and blood. The table below lists a few of the possible vitamin deficiencies and resulting symptoms.
Vitamin Deficiency
|
Affected Organs
|
Symptoms
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Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
|
Brain
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Memory loss, eye weakness, difficulty walking
|
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
|
Blood
|
Fatigue, depression
|
Retinol (Vitamin A)
|
Eyes, Skin
|
Night blindness, dry skin
|
Alcohol abuse can lead to life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis or delirium tremens. Quality of life decreases due to impotence, depression, and cancer. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to liver failure, which may require a liver transplant.
Alcohol abuse also affects the health of your loved ones. In the U.S., 35 percent of parental child abuse cases involved consumption of either alcohol or drugs.
CONNECT WITH YOUR BODY
What are suggested lifestyle changes for patients recovering from alcoholism?
Recovering from alcoholism may need a multiple system approach. In addition to receiving medical and nutritional care from a physician, it is important to have a strong social network to provide mental and emotional support. Some patients may join a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. Others find strength with spirituality and religion.
Given the link between alcohol and vitamin deficiency, it is important to have a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Plan a balanced diet with three scheduled meals per day. Your physician may recommend important vitamin supplements as well.
Vitamin
|
Suggested Foods
|
Pill dosages for adults
|
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
|
Oatmeal, watermelon
|
1.1 mg daily
|
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
|
Papaya, grapefruit, bananas
|
400 mcg daily
|
Retinol (Vitamin A)
|
Leafy greens, yams
|
700 mcg daily for women
900 mcg daily for men
|
INTEGRATE COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Please remember to always inform your physician before you attempt to quit alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous or fatal unless managed by a medical provider.
How can osteopathic medicine help patients recovering from alcoholism?
An osteopathic physician can use a range of specialized musculoskeletal techniques to relieve stress and immobility in the body. This approach can address complications associated with alcoholism. For example, research has shown osteopathic treatment is associated with reduced hospital stay in patients with pancreatitis. In addition, an osteopathic physician may use gentle lymphatic drainage techniques in patients with cirrhosis, or liver disease.
What are some alternative approaches for patients recovering from alcoholism?
Stress management is important to break the cycle of anxiety, depression, and alcohol. Yoga and meditation are holistic methods to tap our inner relaxation processes and help the body heal itself. Some patients may also find acupuncture, which is both natural and drug-free, helps to restore metabolic balance.
What are some homeopathic options for patients recovering from alcoholism?
Some symptoms associated with alcohol use can be improved with homeopathic remedies. Your specific symptoms will help determine which homeopathic remedies are best for you. The chart below shows some available options.
Treatment
|
Effect
|
Sulphur
|
To reduce alcohol cravings
|
Lachesis
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To reduce violence and agitation after alcohol consumption
|
Stramonium
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To reduce visual hallucinations
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Arsenicum
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For anxiety
|
Nux vomica
|
To reduce ethanol intake; For nausea and vomiting
|