Shiling and Bebo pointed to the case of a patient who arrived at CeDAR severely intoxicated and exhibited “the classic triad of symptoms” of Wernicke encephalopathy, as Bebo put it. The patient received IV thiamine treatment within one hour, helping to lead to a positive outcome. Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
Engaging with Doctors for Personalized Care
B vitamins are essential nutrients that help in the maintenance of brain health and, therefore, may help alleviate signs such as confusion and irritability. Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root has demonstrated efficacy in managing anxiety and possibly improving sleep quality. When dealing with alcohol use disorder, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential. Addiction medicine focuses on finding the most effective ways to help you overcome alcoholism.
- These 9 nutrients, vitamins and supplements have helped me minimize withdrawal symptoms, overcome my addictions, and get on with my life.
- It can be an especially good alcohol recovery supplement for people with liver damage.
- Certain vitamins are vital to repairing and building cells required for bodily functions.
- Also, people do not have to worry if the product will suit them as life time money back guarantee is offered.
- BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
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I find that theanine improves my mood, helps me focus and cancels out the jitters of my morning coffee. My mind has a tendency to jump around a lot, and theanine helps me “zero in” on what I’m doing. In another study, people with cocaine dependence and bipolar disorder who supplemented with citicoline reduced their cocaine use. Researchers had directed them to not consume cocaine during the study, and at the end of it, the researchers found less cocaine in the urine of the participants (9).
Vitamins and Minerals
But glutathione can reduce oxidative stress and therefore decrease the development of addiction (46). Chronic use of drugs, supplements for alcoholics such as cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol, can lead to the formation of oxidative stress (47). It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects, and as I’ve discussed before, it can support your mitochondria, protect your brain from alcohol, and help you overcome brain fog.
Everything to Know About Alcoholic Liver Disease
Heavy drinkers often lack vitamins B1, B6, B9, and A, eventually leading to nutrient deficiency. These deficits can cause low energy, skin issues, and oxygen insufficiency, among other health consequences. Too much alcohol can cause inflammation in your stomach lining and pancreas. It also affects your body’s ability to absorb B vitamins and folic acid. It can trigger irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal illnesses, too. One 2019 study found that a significant portion of individuals with AUD admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) had vitamin C deficiency, with 42% being severely deficient.
- People who have progressed to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis most likely will not be able to reverse the disease.
- People with vitamin C deficiency or scurvy may also have issues with wound healing, swollen and bleeding gums, tooth loss, and jaundice.
Every tissue in your body has vitamin D receptors, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system. In one study, alcoholic patients treated with ALCAR stayed sober for longer because it reduced their cravings (48). Researchers have also studied the relapse rates of cocaine addicts discharged after a period of detoxification. And they found that the cocaine addicts who relapsed had significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to addicts who didn’t relapse (29).
The suite of B vitamins is essential for everyday brain functions, and that’s especially true for the heavy drinker. Sadly, that’s generally the case with those suffering from alcoholism. And, because of that, alcoholics are usually very deficient in a variety of key vitamins and minerals. There are at least nutrients that have been clinically shown to help people quit drinking and repair their bodies.
Alcohol and Liver Function
And in the case of alcoholism, alcohol is known to deplete zinc from the body. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that the body needs for many biological processes such as, enzyme reactions, hormone synthesis, and tissue structure. However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol interacts with neurotransmitters including gamma-aminobutyric acid. Therefore, if individuals stop or reduce their alcohol intake, their brain must readjust, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
General Health
That’s what evens out your moods, helps you sleep better, and soothes the urge for alcohol. Experts suggest a diet with lots of complex carbs like whole grains, veggies, peas, and beans. Good nutrition also helps your brain rework old connections and make new ones.