Alcoholism or alcohol addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by excessive alcohol consumption and impaired control over drinking. It is associated with a range of physical, psychological, and social problems. Alcoholism can cause serious health problems and can lead to death. Treatment for alcoholism typically involves counseling, lifestyle changes, and medications.
What Exactly is Alcoholism and Causes?
Other names for alcoholism are alcohol addiction, sharab chudana (Hindi/Urdu), Madyapan (Marathi), Caraya (Tamil), Madya sakti (Bengali). It is addiction to alcohol in which a person is unable to refrain from frequent and excess consumption of alcohol for physical or psychological reasons. Alcoholism is one of the serious social problem and reason for numerous traffic accidents. It often brings poverty and certain amount of crime and results in material unhappiness and broken homes. Ethyl alcohol, the main intoxicating ingredient in wine, beer and distilled liquor is a toxic drug which depresses the brain and nervous system. Quick absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream results into adverse affect on vital organs like brain and liver. Most of traffic fatalities and traffic injuries are related to the abuse of alcohol. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse in the U.S. take 100,000 lives per year, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Harmful Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholic people have a puffy face with bloodshot eyes, a hoarse voice and a rapid pulse. They are suspicious, irritable and over emotional. Vomiting, delirium, impaired judgement and disturbed sleep are some of the other symptoms. Burning alcohol needs vitamins from the body, which results in vitamin deficiency, specially magnesium. Excessive drinking often causes premature graying of hair, tremor of the hands, feet and tongue, convulsions, mental clouding and perspiration. A weak minded people, who can not deal with stress, consoles himself by taking to drugs or alcohol. Such people simply tries to escape the situation and avoid facing it boldly. Study shows that, serious alcohol abuse can lead into suicides and mental health disorders.
How To Quit Chronic Alcohol Addiction Naturally?
Excessive drinking imposes a strain on the liver, brain and heart. Which often causes cirrhosis of the liver, disorders of the stomach and bowels, brain damage, weak and flabby heart. The chronic alcoholic first of all must make a firm resolve to stop drinking. In the beginning of the treatment, to relieve the craving, give a suitable substitute. The best substitute drink for alcohol is a glass of fresh fruit juice, sweetened with honey, if desired. Other best substitute is wholesome candy. If a chronic alcoholic suddenly stops drinking, it creates alcohol withdrawal syndrome which is difficult to deal with. Keep juices, candy, or other snacks easily available. Take between meals if feels a craving for a stimulant.
Home Treatment
- Quit Alcohol Addiction: Treatment depends on how serious and long standing the addiction is. Treat Alcoholism by a registered practitioner. Do not discontinue prescribed medicine.
- Natural Home Remedy: Apples are valuable in the treatment of alcoholism. It removes intoxication and reduces the craving for wine and other intoxicating liquors.
- Antidote to Alcohol: The raw celery juice is helpful. It has a sobering effect and is an antidote to alcohol.
- Treat Liver Disorders: Drink 1 cup butter milk mixed with 3 teaspoon of bitter gourd juice, everyday morning. Continue for a month to see the difference. Bitter gourd is helpful for alcoholism liver disorders.
- Reduce the Carving: Make a paste of 4-5 dates and mix with 1/2 cup of water. Take this mixture twice a day. Repeat for a month to see the difference.
- Ayurveda Herbal Formula: Ayurveda suggests a bitter wine made of Aloe Vera juice (Kumari Asava.) In place of hard liquor or other alcoholic drinks, take small amounts of this light, dry wine. Try 4 teaspoons diluted with an equal amount of water. Reduce the amount of herbal wine gradually. This herbal formula is helpful to strengthen the damaged liver.
- Easy and Effective Way: Grapes is very effective remedy for alcoholism. Eat grapes after each 5 hours thrice a day. Though it is hard to follow this routine, strong willpower can give you expected results.
- Get Rid of Alcoholism: Go out for a walk in the fresh environment, whenever there is a desire to drink or to smoke.
- Meditation and Yoga: Some yoga exercises and meditation is beneficial to keep stress under control, which is a main reason in some alcoholism cases. Include sun salutations and some alternate nostril breathing. “So Hum” meditation is helpful.
FAQs.
Q. What is a home remedy for alcohol addiction?
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet can help reduce alcohol cravings and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Take supplements: Taking vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce alcohol cravings.
- Exercise: Exercise can help reduce stress, which is often a trigger for drinking.
- Attend a support group: Joining a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can provide motivation and support.
- Talk to a therapist: A therapist can help you work through the underlying issues that may be causing you to drink.
- Avoid triggers: Avoiding situations and people that may trigger your cravings can help you stay sober.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough restful sleep can help reduce cravings and help regulate your mood.
Q. How can I stop my brain from craving alcohol?
- Stay away from places and people that have triggers for alcohol cravings.
- Keep yourself busy with activities that don’t involve alcohol.
- Exercise regularly to keep your brain healthy and resist cravings.
- Talk to a therapist or counselor about your cravings to gain insight and develop strategies for managing them.
- Keep healthy snacks and drinks readily available to help you avoid consuming on alcohol.
- Make a list of activities that you can do when a craving strikes, such as taking a walk or going for a run.
- Practice mindful meditation to stay in the present moment and stay away from thoughts of drinking.
- Avoid any type of media or marketing that triggers cravings.
- Reach out to a support system of family and friends who can offer encouragement and understanding.
- If your cravings are too strong, seek professional help.
Q. What are the risks and consequences of alcohol addiction?
The risks and consequences of alcohol addiction can be severe and include physical, mental, and social health issues.
- Physical Level: Alcohol addiction can lead to liver damage, an increased risk of certain types of cancer, and heart problems. It can also lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination.
- Mental Level: It can cause depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
- Social Level: It can lead to relationship problems, loss of employment, financial difficulties, and legal problems. It can also lead to a decreased quality of life and an inability to participate in activities or hobbies.
Q. What are some effective strategies for overcoming alcohol dependence and achieving long-term recovery?
- Seek professional help: It can be difficult to stop drinking on your own, so seeking professional help from a doctor or therapist is the first step towards recovery. They can provide advice and support to help you understand the causes of your addiction and develop an effective plan for achieving long-term recovery.
- Join a support group: Support groups are a great way to connect with other people who are facing similar struggles. They can provide a safe space to share experiences, offer encouragement, and provide accountability.
- Develop healthy coping skills: It’s important to develop healthy coping skills to replace drinking as a way of dealing with stress and difficult emotions. This may include exercise, journaling, talking to a friend, or using distraction techniques.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of relapse. This may include eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers that can lead to drinking.
- Avoid high-risk situations: Avoiding situations that may put you at risk of drinking is an important part of long-term recovery. This may include avoiding certain places or people who may trigger the urge to drink.
Q. What is the best way to stop being an addicted to alcohol?
The best way to stop is to seek professional help from a doctor or qualified therapist. With the help of a qualified professional, you can create a plan to address the underlying issues that may be causing your alcoholism, develop strategies for managing your addictive behaviors, and learn how to live a healthier and more balanced life. Additionally, attending a 12-step program and joining a support group can be invaluable tools for recovery.
Q. Is it possible to get rid of alcoholism?
Yes, it is possible to get rid of alcoholism. Many people have overcome their alcohol addiction and are now living healthier, more productive lives. Treatment for alcoholism usually involves a combination of counseling, support groups, and medical intervention. With the right help, anyone can recover from alcoholism.
Q. What is the easiest way to stop drinking alcohol?
The easiest way to stop drinking alcohol is to decide to quit and make a commitment to yourself. You can also get support from family and friends, seek professional help from a doctor or therapist, join a support group, or attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. You can also try to find alternative activities to replace drinking, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with people who don’t drink.
Q. How to get rid of alcohol addiction at home?
- Remove all alcohol from your home and avoid any temptations to drink.
- Seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about an addiction treatment program that may be right for you.
- Join a support group. Find an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other support group that can provide the encouragement and guidance you need to stay sober.
- Make lifestyle changes. Incorporate healthier habits, such as exercise and eating a balanced diet, into your daily routine.
- Develop healthy coping skills. Learn new, healthier ways to cope with stress, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation.
- Take up a hobby. Find a creative outlet, such as painting or writing, that can help distract you from the urge to drink and give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Set achievable goals. Create short-term goals that you can work toward and achieve, such as going to a meeting every day.
- Seek social support. Spend time with family and friends who can provide emotional support and help you stay on track.
Q. What herbs are good for alcoholism?
- Milk Thistle: It is one of the best herbs for alcoholism because it helps protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol.
- Dandelion: Dandelion root is a natural diuretic that helps the body to detoxify and flush out toxins.
- Burdock: Burdock root is a natural liver tonic that may help to protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage.
- Licorice Root: It is a natural anti-inflammatory that may help to reduce alcohol cravings.
- Artichoke Leaf: It is a natural appetite suppressant that may help to reduce alcohol cravings.
- Ginger: It is also a powerful antioxidant that may help to reduce inflammation and protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage.