End Your Alcoholism: Best Supplements for Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcoholism is a broad term for any drinking of alcohol that results in problems. Today we will discuss alcoholism and the best supplements for alcohol withdrawal.

Alcoholism is estimated to cost the US economy about 223 billion dollars a year! It is estimated there are about 18 million alcoholics in the United States.

Alcoholism is a serious problem that can destroy families and ruin careers.

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that is widely consumed. Despite its adversity on health, it is legal in most countries and often consumed as part of social events.

Alcohol is made by fermenting fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Why Do People Drink Alcohol?

People drink alcohol for many reasons. Some people drink to relax or socialize, while others drink to escape their problems. Some people drink because they are addicted to alcohol and cannot stop.

How Does Someone Become Alcoholic?

Someone becomes alcoholic when they develop alcohol dependence. This means that they need to drink alcohol to feel normal and cannot function without it.

One of the major problems with alcohol drinking is “Alcohol Addiction”, which can develop quickly or over time.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism was previously divided into two types:

1. Alcohol Abuse

A pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following consequences:

• Recurrent alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.
• Continuing to drink even though it causes problems in relationships.
• Drinking in dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating machinery.

2. Alcohol Dependence

Characterized by three or more of the following:

• Tolerance: This means that you need to drink more and more alcohol to feel the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, such as anxiety, tremors, or sweating.
• Drinking more than you planned to.
• Continuing to drink even though it’s causing problems.

Why Alcohol is Addictive?

Alcohol is addictive because it causes the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of pleasure.

When you drink alcohol, it causes the dopamine levels in the brain to increase, which is why people feel temporarily pleasure when they drink.

Why Alcohol is Bad?

Alcohol is bad because of its negative effects on the society and economy.

1. Consequences of Alcoholism on Society

Alcoholism has many consequences on society. These include:

• Crime
• Family problems
• Lost productivity
• Health problems
• Accidents
• Death

2. Consequences of Alcoholism on the Economy

Alcoholism also has many ramifications on the economy, such as:

• Lost productivity
• Health care costs
• Crime rate
• Property damage
• Death rate

There are both short and long-term consequences of alcoholism on the individual and society. Alcoholism can lead to physical and mental health problems. Alcoholism can also hurt relationships, work, and school.

The Side Effects of Alcohol on Body

Drinking alcohol can cause many different health problems. These include:

1. Liver damage
2. Pancreatitis
3. Cancer
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
6. Brain damage
7. Memory and mental health problems
8. Erectile dysfunction
9. Fertility issues
10. Birth defects
11. Weakened immune system
12. Fetal alcohol syndrome
13. Accidental injuries
14. Death

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal is a set of symptoms that can occur when someone who has been drinking alcohol heavily stops or cuts back their consumption. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to life-threatening.

Withdrawal can be treated. We will talk in a bit about the symptoms, medical treatments, and the best supplements for alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary from person to person. They may include:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Anxiety
5. Insomnia
6. sweating
7. increased heart rate
8. High blood pressure
9. Seizures
10. Delirium tremens

How Alcohol Affects Sleep?

Alcohol affects sleep by causing people to wake up frequently during the night. Alcohol also decreases the amount of time people spend in deep sleep.

Deep sleep is important for repairing the body and mind. This is why people who drink alcohol often feel tired and hungover the next day.

11 Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

If you have mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, you may be able to treat them at home. However, if you have severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you will need to detox in a hospital or treatment center.

If you have severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you may be given medications to help you detox safely. These medications can include:

1. Benzodiazepines

These medications help to reduce anxiety and seizures.

2. Anticonvulsants

These medications help to control seizures.

3. Antipsychotics

These medications help to control hallucinations and delusions.

4. IV Fluids

You may need to be given IV fluids if you are dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea.

5. Nutritional Supplements

You may be given nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals to help your body heal from the effects of alcohol.

6. Sedatives

You may be given sedatives to help you sleep.

7. Beta-Blockers

These medications can help to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

8. Naltrexone

This medication can help to reduce cravings and the urge to drink.

9. Acamprosate

This medication can help to reduce anxiety and promote abstinence.

10. Disulfiram

This medication can help to make drinking less enjoyable.

11. Gabapentin

This medication can help to reduce anxiety and seizures.

These medications can help to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and make detox more comfortable. However, they should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.

Many people also find it helpful to participate in a support program while they are detoxing. This can help to reduce the risk of relapse.

7 Best Supplements for Alcohol Withdrawal

Many different supplements can help. Some of the best supplements for alcohol withdrawal include:

1. Anxiety and Stress Reduction Supplements

• Magnesium (also relieves muscles cramps & headaches)
• GABA
• Chamomile
• Skullcap
• Passionflower
• Valerian
• Kava Kava
• Rhodiola Rosea

2. Depression Reduction Supplements

• SAM-e (also reduces cravings)
• St. John’s Wort

3. Liver Protection from Damage

• Dandelion
• Milk thistle
• N-acetylcysteine (also reduces cravings)

4. Immunity Boosting Supplements

• Zinc
• Vitamin C

5. Anxiety and Alcohol Cravings Reduction Supplements

• 5-HTP
• Glycine
• Inositol

6. Seizures Reduction Supplements

• Vitamins B1 and B2
• Vitamin E

7. Brain Damage Protection Supplements

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are just a few of the best supplements for alcohol withdrawal that can be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Many others may be helpful for you.

Each person may respond differently to different supplements. You may need to try a few different supplements before you find the one that works best for you.

Please consult your physician before considering taking any medication or supplement.

12 Tips for Alcohol Recovery

There are many things you can do to support your recovery from alcoholism. Some tips for recovery include:

1. Joining a Support Group

Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or another support group can help you stay on track with your recovery.

2. Participating in Therapy

The individual, group, or family therapy can help you work through the issues that led to your alcoholism.

3. Exercising Regularly

Exercise can help to reduce stress and promote overall health.

4. Eating a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet can help your body to heal from the damage done by alcohol.

5. Avoiding Triggers

Avoiding places, people, or things that trigger your urge to drink can help you stay on track with your recovery.

6. Practicing Meditation

Meditation can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

7. Spending Time in Nature

Being in nature can help to reduce stress and promote peace of mind.

8. Pursuing Hobbies and Interests

Engaging in activities you enjoy can help to keep you sober and distract you from urges to drink.

9. Connecting with Loved Ones

Spending time with loved ones can help you feel supported in your recovery.

10. Finding a Sponsor or Mentor

Having someone to talk to who has been through recovery can be helpful.

11. Staying Positive and Hopeful

Recovery is possible. Believe in yourself and your ability to recover.

12. Taking it One Day At a Time

Recovery is a journey. Take it one day at a time and celebrate each day you are sober.

The most important thing is to find what works best for you and to stick with it. Recovery is a long-term process, but it is worth it in the end.

Takeaway

Alcoholism is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences on the individual and society. However, there is hope. There are many treatments available for alcohol addiction, including medications and supplements.

Alcohol stimulates the body to release dopamine in the brain, the happiness hormone, this is why alcohol is addictive.

You can recover from alcoholism with the help of a support group and treatment program. Supplements can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make detox more comfortable.

Please refer to this article for the 7 best supplements for alcohol withdrawal and the 12 tips for recovery including staying positive and avoiding triggers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, please seek medical help. There are many resources available to you.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed reading this article about alcoholism and the best supplements for alcohol withdrawal, you may want to checkout Erectile Dysfunction from Diabetes, Alcohol and Hypertension.

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References:

• NIH – Treatment for Alcohol Problems
  
• Alcohol Rehab Guide – Warning Signs of Alcoholism