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Alternative Approaches to End Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a serious problem, and if left untreated it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or even death. Conventional treatments for alcohol abuse include a 12-step program such as Alcoholic's Anonymous and/or the use of prescription medications to alleviate anxiety and depression after the drinking is stopped. Twelve-step programs, however, are not always effective, and some of the medications used to treat alcohol abuse can be addicting themselves. For these reasons, many people may choose to pursue alternative forms of treatment for their alcohol abuse.

  1. Dietary Adjustments

    • The nutritional approach to alcoholism treatment is based on the idea that a metabolic dependency can occur from excessive alcohol use. Alcohol, like most other simple carbohydrates, converts to sugar quickly after consumption. This creates a spike in blood sugar, followed by a low or "crash," leading to the desire to eat more simple carbohydrates (or drink more alcohol). By changing the diet and replacing refined carbohydrates and alcohol with foods that are metabolized more slowly, alcohol cravings may be reduced. A nutritional therapy program may suggest cutting out foods like white pasta, white rice, white bread and refined sugar and consuming more lean proteins. Protein does not cause spikes in blood sugar like simple carbohydrates do. Because many people with alcohol problems are deficient in key nutrients when they enter treatment, other nutritional supplements may be used as well.

    Acupuncture

    • Acupuncture is a very old form of Eastern medicine that is growing in popularity in the Western world. It involves the insertion of tiny needles into very specific locations on the body. The insertion points of the needles depend on what condition is being treated. One of the main insertion points for alcoholism is the ears. When used to treat alcoholism, acupuncture typically has the effect of lessening the severity of withdrawal symptoms, reducing the depression and anxiety that often come with ceasing to drink, and helping the body to restore balance to the metabolism, which may reduce cravings.

    Herbal Treatment

    • Another alternative method for the treatment of alcohol abuse is the use of medicinal herbs. Two herbs, milk thistle and kudzu root, are commonly suggested by herbal practitioners to treat alcohol abuse. Milk thistle is believed to improve liver function and assist in the elimination of toxins from the liver, while also helping the organ's damaged cells regenerate. Kudzu root is sometimes prescribed in the form of a supplement or tincture in order to reduce alcohol cravings. When considering the use of herbal therapy, it is absolutely vital that you consult a medical professional before using any herbal substance.

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