Alcoholism

Dietary Recommendations
Drink ground coffee because it speeds up the elimination of alcohol. Eat a lot of meat (proteins), eliminate fats and fried foods, and lower salt intake if water retention is a problem (ascites).

Recommended Minerals
-Magnesium -Potassium -Iron -Zinc -Molybdenum -Lithium

Phytotherapeutic Recommendations
-Ginkgo Biloba

Orthomolecular Treatment
-Omega-6 (withdrawal)

=
================================================================================
 * IBIS:**

Definition:
Alcoholism (or technically " chronic alcoholism") is the physical and emotional dependency on the use of alcohol, the removal of which causes physical and emotional withdrawal. • a situation in which the withholding of alcohol from an individual's metabolism, causes him or her the pain of physical and emotional withdrawal • the physical and emotional dependence on the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream in order to feel "all right" • the internal feeling or belief that such dependence is somehow right and natural, including a tacit acceptance of the chaotic conditions which may follow • the fundamental template of addictive substance abuse

Etiology:
Largely unknown: but genetics, familial tendencies, biochemical factors and sociocultural pressures are all associated: The development of alcoholism has two distinct elements: • mental/emotional, based on the desire of the patient to reduce awareness of his or her own internal discomfort through the anesthetic effect of alcohol • physical, based on a combination of physiological damage incurred and compensatory adjustment developed as a result of the continued use of alcohol

The physical dependence element develops at different rates for different individuals and effects vary widely. Any human who drinks enough alcohol over enough time will become alcoholic. For some, it takes large quantities and long periods and for others, small quantities and short periods. It is difficult to predict where any given individual may be on that scale. Genetic predisposition to easy development of alcoholism is evidenced in differing proportions in differing ethnic groups

Alcoholism is known in all parts of the world and is a fundamental disease of western civilization. Evidence now shows that the desire for alcohol appears to have been the basic reason for the first cultivation of grains and the subsequent rise of cities. Bread as a use for grain was discovered only after it was in cultivation for alcohol production.

Some sources suggest that most alcoholics have a decreased ACTH production so they have no stamina or endurance. In almost all cases there is some form of hypoglycemia with a strong epinephrine compensation and those individuals will generally go too long without eating. The only thing that will calm down the adrenaline and go with the sugar is alcohol.

Somatic Therapies:
• qigong • tai qi chuan

Nutrition:
eating principles: • hypoglycemic diet • calorie percentages: 70% complex carbohydrates, protein 12-15%, fat 15-18% • high fiber

therapeutic foods: • increase foods that cool Xue (Blood) Heat and clear Heat, soothe the Liver • beets and beet tops, bamboo shoots, spinach, banana, grapefruit, mulberry, persimmon, strawberry, white mushroom, apple, ginseng, white fungus (Ni, pp. 28, 35, 36, 48, 56, 61, 64, 66-69, 96)

fresh juices: • carrot (Walker, p. 145) • carrot, beet, and lettuce (Walker, p 145) • carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 145) • dandelion tea (Shefi) • beet top tea (Ni, p. 28) • daikon • persimmon juice or tea (Ni, p. 68)

specific remedies: • pour boiling water into teapot containing 15 g tea leaves, steep 10 min and drink all at once (Lu, p. 149) • boil 60 g black soybeans in water and drink as soup (Lu, p. 149) • put 15 g sugar in 30 ml rice vinegar; add a little hot water to dissolve the sugar. Drink all at once (Lu, p. 149) • boil 30 g hyacinth beans in water. Drink as soup (Lu, p. 149)

avoid: • hypoglycemia • fried foods, fatty foods, rich foods, chocolate, nuts, coffee, alcohol, sugar and sweet foods, simple carbohydrates, smoking, stress, constipation, hot foods, chili, spicy foods, dried fruits, fruit juices

» drug interaction: • cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) inhibit gastric alcohol dehydrogenase, interfering with alcohol breakdown, and substantially increasing serum alcohol levels (DiPadova, et al., JAMA 1992; 267: 83-86)

Botanicals
consider: liver damage, need for sedation, delirium tremens • Apocynum cannabium (toxic): to settle stomach, strengthen heart during delirium tremens or after excess use of alcohol (Ellingwood, p. 231) • Avena sativa: nervine, tonic to nerves, helps overcome habit (Ellingwood, p. 205) • Capsicum frutescens: delirium tremens, steadies patient, promotes sound sleep (Felter and Lloyd, p. 435) • Chamomilla spp.: sedative • Chionanthus virginicus: gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, relieves portal congestion (Felter, p. 287) • Cinchona spp. (toxic): has been used in alcoholism, general debility (British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, p. 67) • Conium maculatum (toxic): anodyne, antispasmodic, soothes in delirium tremens (Ellingwood, p. 104) • Datura stramonium (toxic): delirium tremens; enraged, inclined to injure self or others (Felter and Lloyd, p. 1840) • Gelsemium sempervirens (toxic): according to indications (Ellingwood, pp. 74, 75) • Hyoscyamus niger (toxic): delirium tremens; violent delirium, face pale and sunken, twitching of every muscle (Harper-Shove, p. 26) • Humulus lupulus: nervine, delirium tremens, aids digestion (Felter and Lloyd, p. 999) • Hydrastis canadensis: to overcome craving (Harper-Shove, p. 164, Felter and Lloyd, p. 1026) • Passiflora incarnata: nervine and insomnia • Scutellaria lateriflora: nervine; insomnia, nightmares, restlessness • Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle): as an aid in liver detoxification. • Sterculia acuminata (Kola-nut): as a substitute for alcohol (Ellingwood, p. 207) • Strychnos nux vomica (toxic): decreased portal circulation, an aid in chronic alcoholism, especially those with robust constitution and great nervous excitability (Felter, p. 489)

Ellingwood also recommends: • Claviceps purpurea (toxic) • Lobelia inflata (toxic) • Panax quinquefolius

see: withdrawal from addiction

Chinese Formulae
• Licorice and Jujube C. (Gan Mai Da Zao Tang): Shen Disturbance: absentmindedness, moodiness, crying spells, restless sleep (Hsu, 1980, p. 347; Yeung, p. 102; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 110; Bensky and Barolet, p. 383) • Lotus Seed C.: Spleen, Lung and Kidney disorders due to excessive drinking: polyuria, turbid urine, nocturnal emissions, enuresis, anorexia, general fatigue (Hsu, 1980, p. 164; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 306) • Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan: Xue Yu (Blood Stasis): Alcoholic liver disease: emaciation, abdominal fullness, loss of appetite, rough dry and scaly skin, dull and dark appearance of the eyes (Bensky and Barolet, p. 318) • Bupleurum and Peony C. (Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan): Liver Qi Constraint transforming into Liver Fire: impatient, irritable, chest and hypochondriac region fullness, bitter taste in mouth, headache, red eyes, tinnitus, sour regurgitation, constipation (Bensky and Barolet, p. 148; Hsu, p. 87; Yeung, p. 72) • Fu-shen 16 (patent) plus Zizyphus 18 (patent): Heart Fire Blazing causing Shen Disturbance (Dharmananda, 1990, Fu-shen p. 68; Zizyphus, p. 29) • Ardisia 16 (patent): Liver Wind Arising From Liver Yang Rising (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 36)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Liver/Gall Bladder Damp Heat; Yin Xu (Deficiency); Kidney and/or Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Liver Qi Stagnation; Wind in the channels; Xu (Deficiency) Heat; Toxic Heat; Shen Disturbance; Shi (Excess) of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)

» treatment objectives: withdrawal; early recovery; relapse prevention; detoxification

» illustrative combinations: • five main ear points (shen men, liver, sympathetic, kidney and lung) for detoxification and withdrawal for 10 - 12 days with daily treatment; check for dehydration and seizure history (Eisen) • yi shu, GV-"5.5" or GV-6 (inferior to T11 or T12) or associated hua tuo jia ji (-), "lumbar eye", left Kd-15 <-> Kd-16, left St-21 <-> Sp-16 (needle or magnet south pole down), "kidney supporter point" (needle or magnet north pole down), Sp-6 or Sp-8, and St-2 (sinus focal infection point), as indicated by palpation, for blood sugar imbalance; may apply direct moxa or with Tiger Warmer at GV-"5.5" or GV-6 and "lumbar eye" until midthoracic or calf point reactivity resolves (Matsumoto) • left Kd-15<->16 region: needle according to reaction to palpation for blood sugar imbalance as part of Xu (Deficiency) of the Kidney and/or Spleen due to birth trauma induced by improper severing of the umbilical cord causing damage to the ligamentum teres hepatis (Matsumoto) • left St-21 <-> Sp-16: needle according to reaction to palpation for blood sugar imbalance (Matsumoto) • LI-4, Sp-6 and Lv-2 for tremors affecting the limbs due to Internal Wind affecting the channels (Eisen) • LI-11, St-36 and Lv-2 for tremors, stomach disturbances due to Internal Wind affecting the Yang Ming (Eisen) • CV-9, St-36, GV-20, Sp-5 and Large Intestine (ear) for diarrhea due to Damp-Heat diarrhea (Eisen) • LI-11, LI-4, Lv-2, five main ear points and hypertension ear point for associated hypertension (Eisen) • recovery: five main ear points plus individualized palpate and consider based on differential diagnosis, 2 - 3 treatments per week • consider treatment for "Internal Dragons" or "External Dragons"; External Dragons: GV-20, UB-11, UB-23, UB-61; Internal Dragons: Master point 1/4" below CV-15, St-25, St-32, St-41; In both treatments, sedate first. If the person and the pulses change, fine. If no change with sedation, then tonify. (Worsley) • SI-3 and UB-62: open the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) for which Shen disorders are a symptom of Shi (Excess)

Homeopathy
» use all remedies in 200C (unless stated) every week until craving or habit gone

• Alumina: easily gets drunk • Arsenicum album: craves alcohol, try this first; inclined to vomit or diarrhea • Cannabis indica: violence and talkative due to alcohol; delusions and hallucinations; face flushed, dilated pupils, perspires easily • Hyoscyamus: constant delirium with loquacity and insomnia; laughter alternating with weeping • Lachesis: ill-natured people, violent crimes, vindictive, wicked, jealous, induced to kill others and not himself; talkative • Nux vomica: nervousness due to alcohol; frightened by noises at night; gastrointestinal troubles, giddiness, restlessness; tendency to jealousy and envy; to suicide by shooting or stabbing • Opium: repeated delirium tremens; expression of terror on face; visions of animals and ghosts with uneasy sleep; face dark red • Petroleum: drunkard without energy, unable to refuse a drink; vomiting after the least excess; much talking when drunk • Stramonium: visions of animals in every corner as he tries to escape; face bright red; hallucination and illusion produce terror • Sulphuricum acidum: main remedy for chronic alcoholism; cannot tolerate even the slightest amount of food; patient pale, shriveled, cold • Syphilinum: hereditary tendency to alcoholism

Subtle Support
mental/emotional: • rhythmic folk songs • County Derry • songs of Steven Foster • Spanish tangos • Brahms' Hungarian dances • Sousa's marches • Strauss' waltzes • Gilbert and Sullivan • Indian Love Call • My Wild Irish Rose • Wishing • Estrellita (Heline, p.18)

Mind/Body
• CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) of 245 neurological and 194 psychiatric patients were tested for viral antibodies and interferon. Complement-dependent neutralizing antibodies to herpes virus hominus 1 were found in the CSF of patients with senile dementia (52%), encephalitis (51%), alcoholism (44%), lesions of peripheral nerves (37%), sclerosis multiplex (42%), meningitis (35%), schizophrenia (32%), mental retardation (11%). CSF interferon was found in psychiatric patients with an equal or even higher incidence (34-52%) than in the neurological patients (30-39%). The evaluation of the ratio of serum and CSF titers of viral antibodies and interferon showed local synthesis of both in the CNS. (Locke, 1983, p. 172) • "The alcoholic has a lifelong, entrenched pattern of acting out, not talking out, his problems. This is a crucial difference between the alcoholic and others. If his self- esteem is wounded, the alcoholic acts out his hurt by drinking. If he feels rejected, depressed, criticized, ashamed, or angry, he does not explore the feelings but acts to rid himself of them by drinking. The dialogues he holds with himself are designed to justify his reasons for drinking, not to obviate them. Shame and defensiveness play some part in the refusal to explore the behavior, but there may be other reasons as well. For one, s/he senses that no explanation will be sufficient to excuse the destructiveness of the drinking. For another, any invitation to explore the reasons s/he drinks carries the implication that s/he should talk instead of drink, and s/he does not wish to be made to give up drinking. Words cannot offer the immediate relief that drinking does; they are not soothing, tranquilizing, or ego-building." (Coudert, p. 75) • Alcohol is an attempt to fulfill the quest of an ideal, conflict-free world of universal brotherhood. (Dethlefsen, p. 239) • Repeated studies of alcoholics have confirmed that it is almost invariably fear which drives an alcoholic to seek help; fear for his safety, health, or sanity; fear of loss of love, family, home, or job. An event ferocious enough, frightening enough, appalling enough, or humiliating enough happens to breech his denial system. But the defenses of the mind are like those of the body; they rush to wall off, to localize and repair damage. NO sooner has the alcoholic faced the magnitude and malignancy of his drinking problem than the denial begins to build again and he begins to temporize. As paradoxical as it seems, therefore, the first phase in any treatment approach to the alcoholic, even the alcoholic who has specifically presented himself to obtain help with his drinking problem, must center on his being confronted with the inescapable fact of his alcoholism. He must be repeatedly reminded he is an alcoholic, that he is no different from other alcoholics in his vulnerability to alcohol, and that his feelings of imperviousness to relapse are not justified. Even with persistent confrontations, it may take 3-6 months before the alcoholic's efforts to rebuild his denial system taper off, and this will be the time of greatest danger that he will drop out of AA or back out of treatment." Coudert, p. 225) (Related materia medical listings: addiction: psychosocial approach; the alcoholic in treatment) • Running from the self; fear; feelings of futility, guilt, inadequacy; self-rejection. (Hay, 1984, p. 151) • It is generally believed that people who are addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs have a chemical addiction, meaning their cells are hooked on the drug(s). But at the level of the body's chemistry, we find that heroin or nicotine fits into the same receptors on the cell walls that everyone has. An addict does not have receptors that exhibit abnormal cravings. The truth seems to be that the cell's memory for the addictive substance is what is hooked, and it keeps creating distorted cells that reflect its weakness. In other words, an addiction is a distorted memory. If you take an addict, detoxify his body, and keep him away from alcohol or drugs for several years, all the old cells that used to be 'chemically addicted' are totally gone. Yet the memory persists, and if you give it a chance, the memory will latch onto the addictive substance once again. (Chopra, p. 88) (see also: state-dependent learning) • Conflict between a primary and a secondary process in which one uses increasing quantities of a drug to support a secondary process in order to overcome the primary one. (Mindell, 1988, p. 173) (see also: process oriented paradigm; holographic paradigm) • "Without understanding and following a given process structure, special methods such as AA are not necessarily successful, because simply forbidding alcoholism uses only one part of the personality. Part of the program is for the AA member to claim, 'I am and always will be an alcoholic.' The somewhat evangelistic tone of AA works with many because it picks up on the alcoholic's secondary discipline and courage. There are many people with complicated processes who require more than escalating and accessing the courage and militarism in their secondary processes. They also need to find the meaning and the teleology in their drinking." (Mindell, 1988, p. 132) • "Being an alcoholic or an addict means having a preference for a certain state of consciousness. It is not drug dependent but can be accessed as an altered state. Only one of the parts is drunk or stoned. There is always another part which can be accessed. With a drugged person, however, accessing any secondary process when the primary one is drunk will be a very sobering experience because drunkenness is only a primary process. For example, the person may find the courage to look closely and soberly at their responsibility". (Mindell, 1988, p. 122, 131)

Chinese psychophysiology: • Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel balanced and centered. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; easy bruising; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise, overexposure to external Dampness, and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen.

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); reflects emotional harmony and movement; and expresses itself in the nervous system. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Shi (Excess) signs include discontent; anger; pain in lumbar region and genitals (Seem, p. 28); muscular tension; excessive sex drive; insomnia; moodiness; excitability; genital diseases; red, tearing eyes; compulsive energy; and bitter taste in the mouth. Chronically suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall Bladder with symptoms of irritability, bitter taste, headaches, etc. » Liver Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted. Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing. (Maciocia, p. 216)

• Gall Bladder ~ Dan is the source of courage and initiative, and is responsible for decision-making as the bodily Minister of Justice; controls circulation of the nourishing and protecting energies [Ying Qi and Wei (Protective) Qi]; and opens into the eyes. Its channel purifies Yang energy in the body. » Healthy expressions are kindness, decisiveness, control, and spirit of initiative. » Gall Bladder Shi (Excess) signs include tiredness; sighing; irritability; bitter taste in the mouth in the morning; pain in all joints; edematous knees and legs (Seem, p. 29); tinnitus; lateral headache; heaviness in head and stomach; muscular spasms; and limbs slightly cold. Chronically suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall Bladder. » Anger, frustration, and resentment can cause Liver Qi Stagnation which, in turn, can produce Heat which affects the Gall Bladder.

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; governs Water to regulate body fluids; nourishes the brain to sustain concentration, clear thinking, and memory; and displays the effects of dissipation, chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance. » Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); hearing loss; fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch. » Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Often chronic anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia, p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).

Integrative Therapies
Alcoholism is the habit of consuming alcohol to the point that it interferes with social or work obligations. A person is addicted when abstaining from alcohol consumption is extremely difficult. Long-term alcohol consumption can cause liver and heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blood sugar disorders such as diabetes. Alcoholism is a leading cause of death and disease.

Some signs of alcoholism are depression, loss of friends, arrest for drunk driving, and frequent accidents. Other signs include drinking before breakfast, drinking while alone, periods of black-outs, and missing work days because of drinking.

The following suggestions can be helpful for alcoholism. A desire to be cured is an essential part of the program. Establish a good relationship with a counselor, who specializes in alcoholism, and with your local Alcoholic Anonymous; this number is availabe in the white pages.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED, AND CAN BE TAKEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS: 1. B-vitamins – These are robbed from the body by alcohol and can be replaced with 50 milligrams of a B-complex 3 times a day and additional vitamin B1 – 250 milligrams per day. 2. Vitamin C –1,000 milligrams, 3 times a day. 3. A multivitamin tablet – taken according to label instructions. 4. Glutamine, which is an amino acid – 2 to 4 grams per day may reduce alcohol cravings.

REGARDING THE DIET USED FOR ALCOHOLISM: Stablilizing the blood sugar levels is necessary for successful treatment. In order to do that you should: 1. Abstain from alcohol. 2. Eliminate sugar-containing foods such as candy, pastries, and things that contain sucrose or corn syrup. 3. Eat a serving of whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, millet, or other whole grains at least once a day. 4. Eat at least 1 serving per day of vegetables such as cooked greens, salads, and beans. 5. Take brewer's or nutritional yeast – 1 to 2 tablespoons a day.

HERBS USED FOR ALCOHOLISM: 1. Milk Thistle (in tablet or capsule form) – 250 milligrams 3 times per day. You could also use 1 tablespoon of the Milk Thistle seeds per day. Chew on these raw or powder in a blender and sprinkle over food. An extract from the seeds of Milk Thistle has been known to aid in repair of the liver damage done by alcohol. 2. Celandine (tablets or capsules) – 250 milligrams 3 times a day. 3. A tea, with calming properties, is made from a mixture of the following herbs: Passionflower, Chamomile, Skullcap, and Oatstraw. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink a minimum of 4 cups a day.

HOMEOPATHY: • Nux. Vomica 30c: This is one of the most common homeopathic remedies used to help in the treatment of this disease. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue once daily, 1 hour before or after eating or taking other medicines.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with alcoholism. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.

AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES: • A gradual exercise program should be started, 30 minutes per day, every day if possible. • Remember that the counseling and AA meetings are extremely important and must be maintained over a long period of time.