Alcoholism
Synopsis of Alcoholism
Alcoholism, clinically referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative personal, social, and health consequences. It involves physical dependence, tolerance (requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect), and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped.
Alcoholism affects brain chemistry, particularly neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine, leading to cravings and compulsive drinking. It can lead to serious physical and mental health complications, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, cognitive decline, and social or occupational dysfunction.
Types:
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Mild alcohol use disorder: Occasional excessive drinking with some negative impacts.
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Moderate alcohol use disorder: More frequent heavy drinking with clear signs of dependency.
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Severe alcohol use disorder (Alcoholism): Chronic, compulsive drinking with significant health and life impairments.
Common Causes:
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Genetic predisposition: Family history of alcoholism increases susceptibility.
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Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma often co-occur with alcoholism.
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Social and environmental factors: Peer pressure, culture, and social norms around alcohol consumption.
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Stress and coping mechanisms: Alcohol used to manage stress, emotional pain, or trauma.
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Early exposure to alcohol: Starting to drink at a young age increases risk.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Liver disease: Fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis.
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Cardiovascular disease: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke.
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Neurological issues: Memory loss, cognitive decline, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (alcohol-related dementia).
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Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, psychosis, increased risk of suicide.
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Digestive problems: Gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers.
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Cancer: Increased risk of cancers of the liver, breast, esophagus, throat, and mouth.
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Social issues: Relationship breakdowns, legal problems, financial instability.
When to See a Doctor or Specialist:
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Inability to control drinking despite negative consequences
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Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, tremors, anxiety, or seizures
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Repeated failed attempts to quit or reduce drinking
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Health issues related to alcohol use (liver problems, high blood pressure, depression)
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Co-occurring mental health conditions
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Risk of alcohol overdose (alcohol poisoning)
Natural remedies for Alcoholism
Nutrient Replenishment (B Vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc): Alcohol depletes essential nutrients involved in brain function, detoxification, and energy metabolism. Supplementation aids physical and mental recovery.
Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Supports liver detoxification and repair, reducing liver damage caused by alcohol. Traditionally used for liver health.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): Boosts glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant), aiding detoxification and reducing cravings. Supports liver function and brain health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation, support brain function, and stabilize mood. May help reverse some alcohol-induced neurological damage.
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola (Adaptogens): Help balance stress hormones and improve emotional resilience during withdrawal and recovery. Support mood and energy levels.
Kudzu (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Traditionally used to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption. Contains isoflavones that modulate neurotransmitters.
GABA and L-Theanine: Promote calmness and reduce anxiety, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Support emotional balance.
Hydration and Electrolytes: Alcohol dehydrates the body and depletes electrolytes. Rehydration supports detoxification and physical recovery.
Mind-Body Practices (Yoga, Meditation, Deep Breathing): Reduce stress, support emotional healing, and promote self-awareness. Help manage cravings and emotional triggers.
Exercise: Boosts dopamine and endorphin levels naturally, supporting mood and reducing cravings. Improves overall physical health during recovery.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Alcoholism
activated charcoal
amino acids
ashwagandha
beta caryophyllene
biotin
branched-chain amino acids
cannabis sativa oil
citrus oil
daidzin
eleuthero
ethanol
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
ginseng
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hemp oil
kudzu
l-cysteine
l-cystine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
magnesium
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
selenium
silymarin
succinic acid
thiamin (vitamin B1)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
watermelon
zinc
squawvine
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
hypothalamus
geranium
3-Ketosteroid
Ash
Aroma
American Basil
Agmisode
Aldimine
Aliphatic alcohol
Aga
Agrimony
alpha bitter acids
Anamu
Activated Charcoal
Artemisia
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Ashitaba
Agmatine
Adrenergic amines
Agmatine sulfate
American Liverleaf
Activated Charcoal
Alkyl (unspecified)
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Alkaloids
Asteracea
Aloe
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Amino Acid Blend/Complex
alkaloid
Ant
Ash (unspecified)
Atlantic Cedar
Adsorbant
Blend (Combination)
Bidens pilosa
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
benzenoid (unspecified)
Blackboard tree
Brine
Birch (unspecified)
Brown Rice
Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil Supplement)
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
B. brevia
BCAA
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Biotin
Blend (combination)
Camellia sinensis
Caryophyllene
California chia
Cannabis
Colostrum
Cactus
Cannabinol
Cockroach
Chokecherry
Complex
cloves
Common madia
Carbon
Chinese Licorice
Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
Cysteine
Cystine
Capsules
capsule
Ceramides
Cannabigerol
Chrysophanics
D-phenylalanine
DL-Phenyl-Alanine 4,2-Dimethylaminoethyl
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Devil's Club
DL-phenylalanine
Delivery system
Enzyme (unspecified)
Endorphin (unspecified)
English Oak
Ester derivatives (unspecified)
Essential oil (unspecified)
Essential Oil Blend
esters
Ethanol
food additive (unspecified)
Free Form Amino Acid
Fomes fomentarius
Flavonoid (mixture)
Filler
fibroblast growth factors
Fungus (unspecified)
Flavor
Fruit acid (unspecified)
Flavanoid (mixture)
Flavonolignan
Genseng (not specified)
Ginseng, Oriental
Growth factors
Gluthathione
Guaranine
Gamma amino beta-hydroxybutyric acid
GTCP
Ginseng, Panax
Glutamine precursor (unspecified)
Glycerite
Herb Robert
Hemp
Huang Hua (unspecified)
Indole alkaloid (unspecified)
Isoquinoline alkaloids
Isopropanol
Jiaogulan
Kratom
Kudzu
Kombucha Tea
L-Acetyl n-Cysteine
L-Tryptophan
L-Gluthathione
L-Methionine
Lithium
L-Cysteine
L-Ornithine-L-aspartate
L-Taurine
L-Leucine
Milk Thistle
METHIONINE
Maitake Mushroom
Mealy Kudzu
Morning Glory
Methylmethionine sulfonium
Molybdenum
Niacinamide ascorbate
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-acetylcysteine
Nux Vomica
Nucno Pichana
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Nicotinamide
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin ascorbate
Oil (unspecified)
Oolong Tea
organic acid (unspecified)
Oat Oil
Oleanolic acid
Ornithine l-aspartic acid
Oriental Ginseng
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Puerain
Phyllanthus (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phenylpropanoids (unspecified)
Pangamic Acid
Proprietary Blend (Vitamin)
Pentacyclic alkaloids
Phenolic Acid
Peptides (unspecified)
Phenolics (unspecified)
phenethylamine (PEA)
Peptide
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Placenta
Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids
Placental protein
Prickly Pear Cactus
Polypeptide (unspecified)
Poppy
plant (unspecified)
Pretty Face
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Placenta
Phenolic (unspecified)
phenolics (various)
Phenols (unspecified)
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Resin (unspecified)
Sete sangrias
Sesquiterpenes
Sensitive Plant
Sulbutiamine
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Serum
Silybin
Spice (unspecified)
Schisandrins
Silychristin
Silymarin
Silymarin
Schisandra
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
seaweed
Tea (unspecified)
Terpene
Tea (not specified)
Triterpenes
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Tablet
Tomato
Tannates
Tagetes
Thiamin
Thai kudzu
Tree (unspecified)
Tetrahydropalmatine
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine HCl)
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantethine)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
Vitamin B6 (Mixed)
Vitamin B5 (unspecified)
Vitamin B5 (mixed)
Vitamin A (retinyl not specified)
Vitamin B1 (Prosultiamine)
Vitamin B1 (thiamin pyrophosphate)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine diphosphate)
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin B12 (adenosylcobalamin)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vitamin B1 (fursultiamine)
Vitamin A (not specified)
Vitamin A (vitamin A acetate)
Vitamin B1 (unspecified)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate)
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vitamin B3 (unspecified)
Vitamin B1 (mixed)
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
Vitamin B6 (not specified)
Vitamin B6 (unspecified)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine pyrophosphate)
Vitamin B3 (various)
Vitamin B3 (mixed)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine monohydrate)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine disulfide)
Vitamin (unspecified)
Vitamin B1 (Sulbutiamine)
Vitamin B1 (thiamin disulfide)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine hydrochloride)
White Rice
Watermelon
Wine
Yohimbines (unspecified)
Zinc Yeast
