Phoenix Friday: Relief from Withdrawal

Throughout my own recovery I have experimented with multiple all-natural/herbal/organic supplements to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and had some success prior to abstinence. The ongoing advancements in this particular market space has never ceased to fascinate me. It is truly impressive to witness the vast improvements that have taken place in such a short period of time!

Below is more information on the basics of alcohol withdrawal along with the benefits of the 18 most effective supplements to ease discomfort when making effort to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.

WARNING: Be advised that an unsupervised detox can be very dangerous, and even fatal, for those that abruptly discontinue prolonged heavy consumption (15+ drink/week for Men and 8+ drinks/week for Women). It is for this reason that a medically-monitored detox would be highly recommended.

Acute withdrawal symptoms (occurs within the first week):

• Fatigue
• Anxiety and Depression
• Sleeping Difficulty
• Nausea
• Delirium Tremens (DT)

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms or PAWS (occurs within days up to years):

• Extreme Anxiety
• Emotional Sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Sleep Disturbances
• Problems Concentrating
• Memory Loss
• Cognitive Issues
• Dizziness
• Depression

18 Proven Supplements for Alcohol Withdrawal

Although the above recommended supplements typically don't provide immediate relief, they have proven effective when a regimen is maintain for several weeks. Naturally any regimen of supplements will increase effectiveness over time as they achieve a therapeutic range that begins to replenish what has been depleted from alcohol consumption. Of course, it would be ideal to consider symptoms to determine what vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. are lacking prior to purchasing ANY related supplements. Many of the world's highest quality science formulated supplements are offered by Amen Clinics and available at https://brainmd.com/supplements.

1. Multivitamin

A high quality multi-vitamin is critical in recovery to replenish and maintain the body's basic nutritional needs as we often don't consume all that is necessary. Those that regularly consume alcohol are often deficient in many basic vitamins due to poor eating habits common with heavy drinking. Depleted Vitamins A and E levels are notorious for brain related dysfunction and liver impairment respectively.

2. B Vitamins

Vitamin B is extremely important for helping deal with withdrawal symptoms.and is essential for normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. A vitamin B complex that includes B1, B3 (niacin), B5, and B6 is ideal to avoid deficiencies that manifest as depression, paranoia, irritability, anemia, confusion and digestive issues.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C also helps the body cope with withdrawal as it plays a MAJOR role in repairing cells damaged by excessive alcohol consumption. Many quality multi-vitamins will provide excess levels of Vitamin C that are beneficial.

4. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 encourages the kidneys to recycle phosphate back into the blood to maintain ph levels and has been discovered to typically be VERY low for those in recovery. When utilized properly, it will reduce fatigue, alleviate stress, and reduce depressive symptoms. The BEST source of Vitamin D3 is sunlight between 10am and 2pm!

5. Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in almost every process in the body from hormone processing to muscle movement and relaxation. Alcohol lowers the body's magnesium levels by increasing its secretion via the kidneys and is capable of causing tics, depression, chronic fatigue, migraines, insomnia, muscle cramps, and anxiety.

See the credited article above for more information on the different forms of magnesium that will best serve your needs.

6. Omega 3

Omega 3 supplements are incredibly beneficial in recovery as they support brain tissue regeneration and nervous system function. Low levels of Omega 3 are common and can cause fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, depression, and mood swings.

7. Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that is depleted by alcohol, which hinders the brain's "glutamatergic system" that is directly involved in micronutrient concentrations. Low levels of this amino acids can lead to further alcohol cravings, anxiety, poor immune system functioning, and sleep disturbances.

8. L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid the body makes from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It acts as an anti-depressant as it is an essential component in the production of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Low levels of L-Tyrosine can cause memory problems, increased stress, and anxiety.

9. 5-HTP

5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that is used to replenish serotonin, which contributes to feelings of happiness. Serotonin is very often lacking in alcoholics which causes poor sleep, anxiety and depression. When levels are increased, it assists with the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms and the increase of serotonin.

10. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is also a natural amino acid primarily found in plant and fungal species and a popular source is known to be green tea. A major benefit of this as a supplement is that it reduces stress and creates noticeable relaxation without drowsiness. L-Theanine is also believed to release a relaxing neurotransmitter, GABA, which is often depleted with alcohol use.

11. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC helps the body produce more glutathione, which is depleted after years alcohol use, and can significantly reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation. Those that have liver damage from heavy drinking will also benefit from NAC ability to assist with liver functioning.

12. Korean Red Ginseng

This secret superfood is a root known for its remarkable health benefits which includes boosting energy, promoting relaxation, lowering cholesterol and reducing stress.

13. Milk thistle

Milk thistle is infamous for its liver detox properties and is a helpful choice for many in recovery. It also offers additional benefits such as lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

14. Passion flower

Passionflower is a plant that has many general health benefits that inevitably complements the body's repair by reducing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Some of its benefits include improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and pain relief.

15. Rhodiola Rosea

This herb, also known as the “golden root”, is commonly used in Chinese and Scandinavian medicine and can improve cognitive functioning and energy levels. Alcohol consumption is known to cause an increase in cortisol levels as a result of adrenal gland burnout and can be countered with the use of Rhodiola Rosea.

16. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a natural herb, and works in a similar way to Rhodiola Rosea. The effect of ashwagandha on alcohol addiction in mice has shown promising anti-addictive potential. It has been proven to assist adrenal and thyroid functions, reduce blood sugar levels, balance hormone levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

17. Mucuna Pruriens

Mucina Pruriens is a tropical herb and is also known as "velvet bean". It has been found to restore dopamine levels for those in recovery by increasing supplies of L-Dopa, a precursor to dopamine. This in turn complements the treatment process by improving general motivation and mood to support increased pleasure and decreased pain.

18. Kudzu Root

Kudzu root is derived from a vine and is well known for treating those in recovery. It is used to treat many health issues including headache, dizziness and muscle pain.