Alcoholism is widely recognized in the United States as a disease. It can present differently from one person to another, ranging from frequent to daily to binge drinking. The disease is progressive, meaning it becomes more serious and its effects worsen over time.
The American Medical Association reports that about 18 million people in the U.S. abuse alcohol and more than 70 million Americans have dealt with alcoholism in their family.
Alcoholism can cause both physical and mental health problems. It can be due to genetic, psychological and environmental factors.
Signs and symptoms of alcoholism include an inability to limit alcohol consumption, strong urges to drink, tolerance to alcohol (requiring more of it for the same physical effect) and being annoyed when alcohol is not available.
Some people also experience physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating and shaking, when they don’t drink.
Health problems caused by excessive drinking include liver disease, digestive problems, heart problems, diabetes complications, sexual problems, eye problems, bone loss, neurological complications, weakened immune system and increased risk of cancer.
Alcoholism is also associated with accidental injury, assault, property damage, unsuccessful marriage, increase in crime and suicide.
Most people cannot overcome an addiction to alcohol without help. Denying the problem is a common issue that delays proper treatment for the alcoholic. This is why family support, encouragement and professional help are all needed.
Along with professional help, lifestyle changes, dietary changes and home remedies can help a person combat alcoholism and enjoy a life of sobriety.
Here are the top 10 ways to treat alcoholism.
1. Exercise
Regular physical exercise will help reduce the long-term effects of alcoholism. According to a study published in 2013 in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, regular physical exercise helps prevent brain damage and loss of cognitive function from years of heavy drinking.
In addition, exercise keeps the body healthy, reduces stress, improves mood, fights depression and reduces cravings. Regular exercise also promotes better sleep at night. Given the physical and mental benefits of exercise, many alcohol rehab programs contain some type of exercise component.
When battling alcoholism, include exercises like brisk walking, running, biking, swimming or aerobics in your daily routine. If you cannot exercise on your own, get help from an expert.
2. Acupuncture
Some alcoholics have found acupuncture, a form of ancient Chinese medicine, to be a useful method for resisting cravings and preventing relapse. According to a 2002 study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, acupuncture on the correct pressure points on the ear can help reduce the desire for alcohol.
In addition, acupuncture helps reduce anxiety and depression, two main reasons behind excessive drinking. It also stimulates overall wellness.
Find a trained practitioner to do the acupuncture for you.
3. Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation can also help fight against alcoholism. Yoga helps people reestablish the connection between their bodies and minds, while improving physical strength. It can also be helpful when dealing with significant stress and emotional struggles. In addition, meditation helps relax your mind and soul.
Some of the yoga poses that can help with alcoholism are Savasana (Corpse Pose), Jathara Parivartanasana (Knee-Hug Spinal Twist), Apanasana (Little Boat Hugging Knees), Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose), Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Balasana (Child’s Pose) and Vajrasana (Sitting Mountain).
To learn these yoga poses, join a yoga class or learn from an expert.
4. Healthy Diet
Diet plays an important role in one’s ability to remain sober and reduce effects of heavy drinking. Alcoholism reduces appetite and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This is why most alcoholics suffer from nutritional deficiencies. The body needs many vitamins and minerals to overcome the side effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Eat foods high in vitamin B12 to help improve liver functioning and to help stop alcohol cravings.
Eat foods high in vitamin C to improve brain functioning and reduce your interest in alcohol.
Eat foods high in amino acids to help stabilize your mood, which in turn will help break the addiction cycle.
Avoid caffeine, sugar and nicotine, which can contribute to the urge to drink.
It is best to eat whole-grains, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables and other fiber-rich complex carbohydrates to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels tend to induce alcohol cravings.
5. Dandelion
6. Coconut Oil
7. Kudzu
8. Bitter Gourd
9. Celery
10. Dates
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