| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Alcoholism / Alcohol Abuse Information
Alcoholism is a progressive, sometimes fatal disease that causes an incessant craving for, loss of control over, increased tolerance for and physical dependence upon alcohol. The continual craving for alcohol makes it difficult, if not impossible, for an alcoholic to refrain from drinking. Alcoholics also deny that drinking is the reason for their problems and often blame others for their need to drink.
Nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Moderate alcohol use (two drinks per day for men; one drink per day for women and the elderly) is not harmful for most adults, but drinking that becomes heavy and frequent can result in a myriad of problems that can affect ones health, family life, career and social relationships. The long-term physical effects of chronic alcoholism include an increase in some forms of cancer, impotence in men, cirrhosis of the liver, immune system problems, brain damage and harm to a fetus during pregnancy. Overuse of alcohol also increases the risk of automobile crashes and recreational and on-the-job injuries.
People who do not have problems with alcohol often cannot understand why someone cant use sheer willpower to stop drinking when alcohol becomes a problem. Abstaining from alcohol takes more than willpower for chronic alcoholics. The craving is often so overwhelming that their uncontrollable desire for a drink is as strong as the need for air, food or water. Although most alcoholics need professional treatment and support to overcome their disease, some find their own ways to sobriety.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Alcoholism / Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism is caused by a combination of genetic, physical, psychological, social and environmental factors that vary greatly from one individual to another. Genetics play the most substantial part in the development of alcoholism; a persons risk of becoming an alcoholic is four times greater if a parent is an alcoholic. Other factors that can lead to alcohol abuse include peer pressure, culture and the availability of alcohol.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Alcoholism / Alcohol Abuse
The immediate physical effects of alcohol abuse include loss of motor coordination, slurred speech, disorientation and vision disturbances; these symptoms wear off a few hours after the person stops drinking. After drinking, some alcoholics appear very drunk and lose control of their lives, while others continue to manage everyday life with little to no problem. Signs of chronic alcoholism include black outs; memory lapses; ongoing fights with family and/or friends; continued use of alcohol to loosen up, cheer up, induce sleep or deal with problems; trembling hands; husky voice; broken capillaries on the face and neck; drinking alone, in the morning or in secret; and headache, insomnia, nausea and anxiety when no longer drinking.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Alcoholism / Alcohol Abuse
Abstaining from alcohol is the single most important aspect to treating and preventing alcoholism, but this can be very challenging to those who have had previous drinking problems. The best course of action is a combination of ongoing therapy, positive motivation and strong social support. Many alcoholics also find it helpful to change social routines, adopt a new set of values and avoid people, places and activities that support the drinking habit.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Self Test for Alcoholism / Alcohol Abuse
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if alcohol use may be a problem for you:
Have you ever thought you should cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking habits?
Is it hard to stop drinking after youve had one or two drinks?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning as a little pick-me-up to get rid of a hangover or steady your nerves?
Have you ever had a problem remembering what you did during a drinking episode?
Have you ever encountered drinking-related problems with your job, health, relationships or the law?
If you answered yes to one of the questions above, you may have a problem with alcohol. If you answered yes to two or more questions, you very likely have a problem with alcohol abuse. In either case, it is important to see your health care provider as soon as possible to determine a course of treatment that is best for you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Free-form Amino Acid Complex helps with withdrawal and is necessary for liver function.
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) calms the body and prevents anxiety.
Glutathione and L-methionine protect the liver and reduces alcohol cravings.
Pantothenic Acid helps with alcohol detoxification.
Alpha-lipoic Acid helps protect the liver and pancreas from alcohol damage.
Calcium and Magnesium have a calming effect.
Multienzyme Complex aids digestion.
Primrose Oil may help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is a powerful antioxidant.
Acidophilus helps repair damaged liver tissue.
Kudzu suppresses alcohol cravings.
Flaxseed Oil delivers essential fatty acids for proper brain function.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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