Alcohol related problems are estimated to affect 10% of North American society. There are many successful treatments available to those who suffer from this problem. Dependence on alcohol is broken down into two categories: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The former are not physically or emotionally dependent on the drug but still may need support to stop drinking. Read on to learn about alcoholism support and natural remedies to help support detoxification.
What Are The Effects of Alcoholism?
Alcoholic women are more likely to suffer physical damage than male alcoholics. This is because women have a higher fat content and less ability to break down alcohol, both of which contribute to higher blood alcohol levels.
One must not forget that alcohol also affects other family members. Some studies have found that they are at an increased risk of alcohol abuse. They may also be in need of physical and emotional support.
How Can I Spot Symptoms of Alcoholism?
Alcoholism has some very serious symptoms which are difficult to identify in the beginning because of the slow development of abuse. Sufferers may begin to exhibit interpersonal problems stemming from depression, aggression and irritability, and their professional lives may suffer.
Alcohol abuse can cause short-term memory loss and personality changes, which are noticeable to friends and family and indicate that the individual may need help.
Biologically, alcohol is a toxin heavily affecting the brain, nervous system, liver and pancreas, leading to long-term negative effects. An individual with an alcohol dependency may suffer from irregular heartbeats, stomach pain and inflammation, blood sugar problems like diabetes, tingling, impotence and numbness.
Alcoholics tend to consume the majority of their calories in alcohol, so they may be nutritionally deficient, leading to a decreased immune response to colds and flus. Another alcohol abuse complication is the withdrawal period, which begins several days after alcohol consumption ends and continues for up to one week.
Alcoholism Support
Conventional treatment of alcohol related problems includes support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous for psychological dependence. Physical dependence is treated with drugs to decrease cravings, such as naltrexone, and drugs that cause ill effects if alcohol is consumed, such as disulfram or Antabuse.
Natural therapies can help decrease withdrawal symptoms, recover proper nutritional status, and repair damage to organs.
Dietary changes for withdrawal include maintaining adequate fluid intake and alkalinizing the body. Drink lots of clear fluids and eat raw fruits and vegetables. Use vegetable sources of protein, like lentils and other legumes. Eat magnesium-rich foods like wheat germ and cold-pressed oils to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Dietary changes for several weeks of detoxification are aimed at stabilizing blood sugar and rebuilding the body’s nutritional stores. Avoid simple sugars, processed foods, fried foods, dairy products, soft drinks and candy. Eat small meals that are high in fibre, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Nutritional yeast is a good addition to the diet by providing a source of B vitamins that support the nervous system.
