Home Remedies and Herbs for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic disease of dependency on alcohol. 1 It’s also called “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)”²

Alcoholism is a serious condition that can produce negative health complications in the affected person because of the toxic nature of alcohol. Alcohol dependency can start out with mild symptoms and quickly escalate into a full-blown disorder that has significant health and lifestyle consequences. ⁶

What Causes Alcoholism?

Researchers feel that certain people are more strongly impacted by alcoholism effects. Excessive alcohol use over time can cause changes in brain function which reduces the person’s ability to limit their consumption. Eventually, this is what forms an addiction.

The exact alcoholism causes are unknown. Alcoholism effects differ among individuals and so this makes it difficult to determine one specific cause or risk factors. However, scientists agree alcoholism causes are likely due to a combination of factors, otherwise known as triggers.

Genetics are responsible for about ½ the risk of alcoholism. Other factors include environmental, and psychological factors such as low self-esteem or poor impulse control. There is also strong link between alcoholism and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder.⁴

Alcoholism Symptoms

Alcoholism symptoms include:

• Strong cravings for alcohol
• Continued alcohol use even after it causes physical, psychological, or interpersonal problems
• The inability to limit or stop drinking
• Spending a lot of time and effort to obtain or use alcohol or recover from it
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after the effects of drinking wear off 

While alcoholism symptoms are typical in most cases, there are also different alcoholism signs that indicate an alcohol dependency. These signs are not direct symptoms of alcoholism, but rather byproducts of an alcohol dependency. Alcoholism signs typically include behavior changes such as lying or becoming secretive as well as a drop in work or school performance.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Alcoholism 

Alcoholism can be prevented and its symptoms can be controlled with a number of lifestyle changes and home remedies. Additionally, alcoholism natural treatments can also help to prevent some of the health conditions associated with alcoholism such as depression and liver disease.

Here are some alcoholism natural treatments to try at home:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as an alcoholism natural treatment as it can help to limit alcohol cravings.
• Kudzu - Studies have shown that kudzu has helped control alcoholism symptoms when taken as a supplement.
• Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is used as an alcoholism natural treatment because it can help to reduce and control alcohol cravings when taken in regular doses.
• Cinnamon - Cinnamon has been studied as a way to help prevent liver disease and protect the liver from alcoholism effects from excessive consumption.
• Honey - Honey is sometimes used as a home remedy to help stop alcohol cravings and lower overall alcohol consumption levels.
• 5-HTP - Researchers feel that people with low serotonin levels, such as though suffering from depression, are more susceptible to alcoholism. 5-HTP is a supplement that boosts serotonin levels and may help to prevent or treat alcoholism.

References

1. http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
2. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking 
3. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000944.htm
4. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders/genetics-alcohol-use-disorders
5. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Treatment/treatment.htm
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/basics/definition/con-20020866