Author: Alex Thompson
Curb Alcohol Cravings: 3 Medications and 5 Natural Remedies to Drink Less or Quit
Eat a salami and butter sandwich on ciabatta bread, which will absorb a significant amount of alcohol from the body. Before starting any complementary treatment, be sure to discuss it with a doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. Acamprosate is believed to work by restoring balance to certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are disrupted by long-term alcohol overuse. These thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs are not necessarily negative. You may drink to avoid certain feelings, for instance, but you also may drink to enhance certain feelings. If certain environments, scenarios and places tempt you to drink, the simplest and most effective approach may be to avoid them, at least temporarily.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is a common weed that has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including liver support. Like milk thistle, dandelion root is believed to have hepatoprotective properties, supporting the liver’s natural detoxification processes. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is helpful for restoring thyroid and adrenal function.
If you are struggling with your alcohol recovery, try some of these healing herbs to help you towards the ultimate end of your recovery journey. The regular consumption of alcohol can be considered a disease due to its prolific nature and the impulse to consume beyond control. Alcoholics that are trying to quit the habit find it hard to overcome the cravings and complete the detoxification process. Chronic alcohol use causes the body to excrete too much magnesium and other electrolytes through urination, often resulting in a magnesium deficiency.
Support Groups and 12-Step Programs
Further, kudzu does not affect sleep cycles and may start working after a single dose. Although many different B vitamins can be impacted by drinking, one of the most dangerous B-vitamin deficiencies is thiamine or vitamin B1. Lack of vitamin B1 can cause a life-threatening condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. For this reason, those who struggle with alcohol are often told to take vitamin B1. This herb is commonly used to manage the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism.
Exploring Natural Remedies for Quitting Drinking
Supplements can help reduce alcohol cravings by addressing nutritional deficiencies, regulating neurotransmitters, and providing antioxidant support, among other mechanisms. The pesky flowers that you try to get rid of in your lawn can actually help those that are in recovery from alcohol abuse. Dandelions can help to detoxify the body and rid it of the poisons that come from drinking too much alcohol. Dandelion tea is an effective treatment for upset stomach and headaches that are often a part of the recovery process. People who drink alcohol are at higher risk of calcium deficiency, since alcohol interferes with your body’s ability to properly absorb this vital nutrient. This can increase the chances of developing osteoporosis, especially for women.
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In this post, we’ll discuss the relationship between alcohol and nutrition, plus 12 of the best supplements and vitamins for alcoholics in recovery. These include supplements for alcohol cravings, repairing your liver, and rebalancing your nervous system. Some studies have been done on d-phenylalanine, finding it improves alcohol withdrawal symptoms. There is some scientific evidence suggesting acupuncture provided by a qualified practitioner can help cut alcohol consumption and lessen alcohol withdrawal symptoms (11). Many alcoholics give up during the detox process because of the severity of the symptoms.
Does the urge to drink ever go away?
Experts believe its calming effects might be due to its activity on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which slow down the central nervous system. Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It has long been used to prevent alcohol cravings, improve immune function, and reduce stress.
- All in all, a regular B-complex is one of the most important vitamins for recovering alcoholics to take.
- Learn more about medications for alcohol cravings, and other ways to round out your support system in recovery.
- These techniques focus on the connection between the mind and body, helping individuals manage cravings, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.
- Passion flower is one of the best herbs to help you stay on your path towards a clean life.
- This herb enhances liver functions, along with repairing the damage caused to the liver.
- By training the mind to stay present, individuals can develop greater self-control and resilience when faced with triggers or cravings.
Of course, these are only 12 helpful options—there are many vitamins and supplements for alcoholics you can take to aid your system in recovery. We recommend speaking with your doctor about how heavy drinking has impacted your body, and which supplements will be the most safe and useful for you as an individual. Other new habits, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practice, and a healthier diet, can all contribute to boosting your health in recovery. It has long been used as a traditional remedy for a variety of illnesses, including liver damage. Although research is ongoing, there’s some evidence that milk thistle can help reduce the symptoms of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.
Creating Healthy Habits
Take one teaspoon of Indian Ginseng daily with milk to get the best results. Many individuals who drink large quantities of alcohol are deficient in vitamin B1, or thiamine. In fact, this is one of the main vitamins given to people going through medical detox from alcohol. Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and in extreme cases lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also known as wet brain. While none of these herbs are an “instant” fix for alcohol addiction, they can ultimately make it easier to quit once you make that decision yourself.
Inform your close circle about your decision to quit drinking and explain the importance of their support. Having people to turn to during challenging times can help prevent relapses and provide emotional support when needed. Engage in activities that don’t involve alcohol, such as hobbies, exercise, or exploring new interests, with your supportive network. Building a supportive network of friends, family, and loved ones is crucial when striving to quit drinking.
What vitamins help the liver recover from alcohol?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. Alcohol consumption can deplete magnesium levels, leading to a range of symptoms such as muscle cramps, anxiety, and insomnia. By replenishing magnesium, individuals can help restore balance and promote overall wellness. Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. It is a complex condition that affects both the physical and mental well-being of individuals.