The Best Natural Treatments for Alcoholism

People who are long-term, heavy drinkers require professional help. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can cause seizures and hallucinations. This can affect brain functioning and lead to death. However, you can supplement your efforts by using a few natural approaches. This can boost your success in overcoming alcoholism.

Meditation

The decision to quit drinking requires mental discipline and self-control. Drinking can serve as a coping mechanism and stress relief source for some. So why not try meditation as a way to replace drinking?

Meditation involves taking a few moments to maintain focus. Some may choose to chant or repeat a positive thought in their minds. Examples could include “I will commit to living a healthier lifestyle.” Another practice involves a person picturing themself overcoming alcohol addiction and how they will feel when they successfully quit.

Diet

Good nutrition can help in early recovery. When we eat good foods, our bodies are satisfied and we feel better. Alcoholism causes nutritional deficiency. The most common is lack of vitamin B6, thiamine, and folic acid. Avoiding these nutrients causes anemia and nervous system problems. The so-called “wet brain” happens when heavy alcohol use causes a lack of enough thiamine.

Alcohol use also damages two major organs involved in metabolism and nutrition: the liver and the pancreas. The liver removes toxins from harmful substances. The pancreas regulates blood sugar and the absorption of fat. Damage to these two organs results in an imbalance of fluids, calories, and electrolytes.

The following tips can help improve the odds of a lasting and healthy recovery:

Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
Get physical activity and enough rest.
Reduce caffeine and stop smoking, if possible.
Take vitamin and mineral supplements if recommended by the health care provider.

Yoga

Yoga is a gentle exercise designed to help people get in tune with their bodies. Because alcoholism can make people feel out of control, yoga may help. The practice involves careful breathing and slow, gentle movements to stretch and tone the body.

Yoga helps people make a mind-body connection. The exercise provides stress relief that could enhance a person with alcoholism’s sense of well-being. Yoga can teach people to use their bodies in a healthy way.

Many types of yoga exist. Community centers, gyms, and yoga studios offer classes. If you are short on money try your local library; they might have an Instructional DVDs or some books to help beginners learn yoga positions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting small needles into the skin. I have tried it and trust me, it does not hurt. Its purpose is to restore balance to the body. People may use acupuncture to relieve pain and depression. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), people also use acupuncture to quit smoking.

Acupuncturists believe techniques can help people detoxify their bodies, especially the liver. No definitive published research can back acupuncture’s benefits in treating alcoholism. However, the practice is not associated with health risks if a licensed practitioner performs it.

Sleep more

Getting a good night sleep is super important for good health. It can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. Most folks need 7 to 8 hours of good quality sleep each night. Trust me, it will make early sobriety easier. Go to sleep at about the same time every day and turn off electronics an hour before bed time.

Spend time outside

Enjoying time outside is a great way to put some pep back in your step. But if the weather is bad, do some exercise inside. Physical activity increases your chances of staying sober and will help you to live longer. It can also help:

Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight
Lower your “bad” cholesterol and raise your “good” cholesterol
Prevent heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes

And that’s not all. Being more active can:

Be fun
Help you look your best
Improve your sleep
Make your bones, muscles, and joints stronger
Lower your chances of becoming depressed
Reduce falls and arthritis pain
Help you feel better about yourself

Herbs

Chinese medicine practitioners have been using kudzu to reduce excess alcohol consumption for more than a thousand years. Kudzu has an ingredient called puerarin that boosts brain blood flow. Researchers theorized the herbs helped people feel satisfied after drinking less beer. I would talk to your doctor about this.