Alcoholism is a dependence on or addiction to alcohol.  The body’s outward reaction to alcohol suggests that it acts as a stimulant by producing aggressive social behavior such as loss of inhibitions, increased boldness and sociability associated with drinking.  In fact, alcohol is a depressant that acts to decrease the basic speed of all bodily functions, including muscle contractions.

Prolonged dependence upon this drug may result in severe problems in the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract as well as the emotional and mental problems associated with alcoholism.  Severe deficiencies of many nutrients occur because the alcohol itself satisfies the body’s caloric needs.  (Alcohol contains about 70 calories per ounce.)  Alcohol is a carbohydrate but contains no vitamins or minerals, which are needed for carbohydrate metabolism.  The vitamins and minerals are then taken from other parts of the body, eventually leading to tissue depletion.

As the alcohol enters the bloodstream directly throughout the walls of the stomach, it begins to act upon the central nervous system by changing the most basic mental functions and by destroying brain cells.  Cells are destroyed by the withdrawal of necessary water from the tissues and cells.  The liver works to neutralize the effects of alcohol upon the body by breaking down the composition of the alcohol.  Under normal circumstances, especially if there is food in the stomach, the liver can effectively perform the function of breaking down the alcohol if not more than one drink per hour is consumed.  However, when the liver is overworked, it must compensate by creating an increased tolerance for alcohol.  After a time, the liver compensates less rapidly, becomes fatty and is less able to decompose the alcohol.  As a result, the alcoholic develops a decreased tolerance for alcohol and less is needed to product intoxication.  As drinking continues over a period of time, the liver cells die and are replaced with scar tissue.  This condition is known as cirrhosis of the liver.

Diet and nutrient supplements are very important in the treatment of alcoholism.  Because of biochemical individuality, different nutritional approaches will be needed for different alcoholics.

Refined carbohydrates need to be eliminated from the diet.  Rats placed on the typical American high-refined-carbohydrate diet eventually avoid the water bowl in favor of the bowl of whiskey.

In some cases, a strict diet adequate in calories and high in protein, which contains all the vitamins and minerals and especially high in B vitamins, reduced the alcoholic’s desire to drink.  Protein is necessary for tissue regeneration, particularly when cirrhosis of the liver occurs.  Vitamin A is an anti-infective agent for upper respiratory infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia which are common in alcoholics.  The vitamin B complex is essential for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic neuritis, pellagra, and delirium tremens.  Niacin and the amino acid glutamine have been shown to help to prevent the craving for alcohol.  Vitamin C, which is often deficient in alcoholics, is needed to prevent scurvy.  A zinc deficiency may occur, making the alcoholic more prone to cirrhosis of the liver and preventing vitamin K from being absorbed into the body.  Iron is needed to correct the anemia that often develops.  A magnesium deficiency can contribute to the occurrence of delirium tremens.  A deficiency of potassium may also occur in alcoholics, and supplements may be necessary.  Choline acids in the decomposition of fat in the liver and helps maintain healthy kidneys jeopardized by heaving drinking.

Complications that can interfere with recovery are concurrent drug use, hypoglycemia, and perceptual distortions similar to those experienced by schizophrenics.  Food allergy additions may also be a factor.  Permanent brain damage may not respond to nutrient therapy.

Information obtained from the Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

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