Outpatient Holistic Treatment for Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a gradual process that changes the level of chemicals in your brain creating a physical dependence on alcohol. About 18 million people in the United States abuse alcohol and more than 70 million Americans have dealt with alcoholism in their family. There are many alternative treatments for alcohol addiction beyond groups and prescription medications. Holistic treatments such as vitamins, herbs and behavioral therapy can often be just as effective.
Outpatient Holistic Treatment for Alcoholism
There are numerous avenues to explore when treating alcoholism. Beyond traditional medications and therapy groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous there are many options such as lifestyle modification, vitamins, herbs and acupuncture.
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Alcohol can decrease your appetite and prevents your body from absorbing certain nutrients. Beneficial supplements may include:
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Carnitine
- Glutamine
- Thiamine
Herbs
Herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat many disorders. A few of the more popular herbs used to treat alcoholism are:
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)--can improve liver function
- Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)-- might help reduce cravings
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) -- improve liver function
Homeopathy Treatments
- Arsenicum album -- for anxiety and compulsiveness
- Nux vomica -- for irritability and compulsiveness
- Lachesis -- for cravings for alcohol, headaches
- Staphysagria -- to help with those that may suppress their emotions
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist can be a very effective treatment approach for alcohol addiction. This type of therapy is often focused on changing your beliefs and thought processes about drinking. It also can help you learn different strategies to cope with stress and control your behavior and emotions to prevent you from relying on alcohol.
Acupuncture
In some cases, acupuncture may be a useful additional therapy for addiction. However, acupuncture alone should not be used to treat alcoholism, but used in combination with counseling and other therapies.