It’s very easy to get hooked on alcohol, but getting sober is an entirely different matter. At some point, you may simply get fed up with the lifestyle or a health condition that forces you to stop. This is when you have to buckle up and deal with the harsh reality of detox.
People who struggle with this phase of recovery will tell you that quitting isn’t the only challenge they face. At their best moments, they will probably describe it as “uncomfortable.” However, a medical detox center in Texas such as Stonegate Center offers around-the-clock supervision to ensure your safety and comfort. You can also make the effects of detox more manageable with supplements for alcohol withdrawal. Learn more about alcohol addiction treatment at Stonegate Center.
Medical Treatment of Alcohol Detoxification
A significant number of individuals dealing with alcohol withdrawal experience the symptoms of detoxification. These symptoms are often more severe for heavy drinkers, which is when vitamins for alcohol withdrawal can assist in the detox process.
Alcohol withdrawal can have adverse effects such as:
- An almost uncontrollable need for a drink
- Tremors
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
For less severe cases, the symptoms may abate after a couple of hours or days, especially with the assistance of detox supplements. However, more severe symptoms may require medical intervention.
Medical detox is perhaps the safest way of detoxing from alcohol as the setting is a controlled one. Medications such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates are often used by licensed professionals to combat intense symptoms. To manage the problem, healthcare providers, or most clinics or rehabilitation centers, assess the patient to determine whether or not they can be treated on an outpatient basis.
Every state in America has an alcohol treatment center or rehab center. They tend to provide the best care possible for people struggling with withdrawal symptoms. A single alcohol and drug treatment center in Texas has helped more than 20,000 individuals with a personalized treatment plan.
Also, in Texas, there are residential treatment centers that can provide patients with the best care possible in a safe and comfortable environment. Centers with medical detox programs have personnel who can evaluate you to determine if you can manage symptoms with supplements for alcohol withdrawal, or if medication is required.
Traditional Methods for Treating Alcoholism and Issues Related to Alcohol Detoxification
Detoxification is usually the first step in treating alcoholism. Conventionally, it’s done in a controlled (often medical) setting for a period of four to seven days. Medications are used to treat the symptoms of withdrawal, which can be severe.Detox vitamins may be used alongside medications, or on their own.
Afterward, rehabilitation programs would often be suggested to help the individual remain on the path to a healthier life. Also, support groups such as Alcohol Anonymous and a solid support system at home are essential for a successful abstinence journey.
Nutrient Deficiencies in Alcohol Abusers
This aspect of alcoholism is often understated or ignored. People are so concerned with detoxification and its scary reality that they fail to take note of factors such as vitamin and mineral deficiency. Vitamins for alcohol detox are crucial to address deficiencies. They help provide nutritional support that helps the body heal from the toll of alcohol abuse.
Most times, something as essential as a good diet is not even prioritized. You might argue that
alcohol does contain a high number of calories and you would be correct. However, the calories in alcohol are a far cry from the nutrients the body requires to function. Alcohol does not contain the vitamins and minerals that you find in detox supplements.
People with alcohol use disorder also tend to replace food intake with alcohol, making alcohol abuse a leading cause of the nutritional deficiency. Even if someone does manage to eat enough to get sufficient vitamins and minerals, that person may not be able to digest them properly.That’s because heavy alcohol use limits how much the body can absorb nutrients such as vitamins B1 and B12, folic acid, and zinc. Detox and alcohol withdrawal supplements go hand in hand to get the body ready for recovery from substance abuse.
Ways of Controlling Nutrient Deficiency Caused by Alcohol Withdrawal
In theory, all you have to do is stop depleting the nutrients and replace the lost ones. However, as detoxification is an ongoing process, you can’t just snap a finger and stop the nutrients from getting depleted. You need to replace the lost nutrients, and one of the best ways to do that is with supplements for alcohol withdrawal.
The nutrients in these alcohol withdrawal supplements include, but are not limited to, B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium. Some people also choose to complement their alcohol withdrawal vitamins with herbal supplements.
- B Vitamins
The B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12) are involved in some important processes in the body, ranging from the conversion of glucose to energy to the formation of blood cells.
Certain B vitamins also help support liver health and may reduce cravings for alcohol. Another benefit of taking B vitamins is that they (especially B3, or niacin) have cleansing properties and can remove toxins produced by detoxification.
B vitamins are readily available in supplement form; look for B Complex detox supplements that contain all the B vitamins. You can also sneak in these vitamins (and others) through a healthy diet. Leafy greens, fruits, meat, and eggs pack a healthy dose of B vitamins.
- Vitamin C
Is there anything this vitamin cannot do? From strengthening the immune system to giving you clear skin, vitamin C is there to serve your needs.
What most people don’t know is that vitamin C deficiency can lead to feelings of fatigue or depression. No one undergoing withdrawal from alcohol should be depressed. They will just fall off the wagon entirely.
Adding vitamin C supplements for alcohol withdrawal while detoxing will go a long way in helping you recover fully.
- Zinc supplements
Zinc is another important mineral that alcohol blocks from being absorbed and utilized. The deficiency of zinc can lead to confusion, depression, and decreased organ function, as well as a significant reduction in senses of smell and taste.
Several treatment centers advocate for daily doses of zinc in a patient’s diet, either through food or supplementation.
- Magnesium supplements
Some studies indicate that magnesium mineral supplements may help alleviate anxiety, while also promoting healthy nerve, heart, muscle, and immune system function. Also, the irritability, twitches, and cramps that come with detoxing may be improved by magnesium. Supplementing the diet with magnesium supplements is recommended for any treatment plan made for recovering addicts.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
You’ve probably seen brands marketing their products by claiming that they are “rich in omega-3 fatty acids.” Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively researched and linked to several health benefits.
These fatty acids reduce disease-causing inflammation in the body and bolster heart health. Plus, the EPA type of omega-3 fatty acid may reduce depression symptoms, making it a good supplement to add to your detox vitamins.
- Protein
Protein can usually be consumed in a balanced diet. However, people in recovery require a bit more than that to supplement the protein they’ve lost. This protein is typically in the form of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins.
Several amino acids are available in supplements including lysine, leucine, and valine. The supplements are best taken with supervision from a doctor to avoid excessive intake.
- Herbal supplements
Consider adding herbal supplements such as ashwagandha, milk thistle, and kudzu extract to your diet along with your vitamins for alcohol withdrawal. These herbs may help with cravings and liver health.
Get Help With Stonegate Center Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse addiction, it’s ok to seek professional help. Stonegate center offers medical detox treatment to safely withdrawal from addictive substances under the supervision and guidance of highly skilled medical professionals. If you want to find renewed health in body and mind, come to Stonegate Center for supportive treatment for alcohol addiction. Contact us today to get started.
References
- 3 Regimens for alcohol withdrawal and detoxification. Chad Asplund, M.D. MD Edge. https://www.mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/65531/addiction-medicine/3-regimens-alcohol-withdrawal-and-detoxification. Accessed 21-08-2020.
- Alcoholism. Dr. Weil. https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/addiction/alcoholism/. Accessed 21-08-2020.
- Why a Healthy Diet Is Important During Alcohol Detox. Summit Detox. https://www.summitdetox.com/detox-blog/why-a-healthy-diet-is-important-during-alcohol-detox/. Accessed 21-08-2020.
- https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.inpatient-and-outpatient-treatment-for-substance-use-disorder.ad1101
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002149.htm
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/integrative-mental-health-care/201901/some-vitamins-and-minerals-may-reduce-alcohol-toxicity
- https://stonegatecenter.com/heres-why-you-should-add-zinc-to-your-diet-if-youre-recovering-from-alcoholism/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-magnesium-supplements-for-anxiety
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/omega-3-what-it-can-and-cant-do-for-health#Omega-3-fats:-What-they-cannot-do-for-health
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002222.htm
