Tuesday, 20 May 2014

ORTHOMED Approach for ALCOHOLISM


COST Comparison:
Alcoholism =  Personal Bunruptcy from alcohol maintenance & Illness.
Supplementation = Equivalent to 1 bottle of beer a day. 

Alcoholism 

BACKGROUND
Alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes. Alcoholism may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Orthomolecular research suggests that the body’s metabolism of alcohol is decreased because of a vitamin B-3 (Niacin) deficiency, or dependency, which results in excess chemicals in the brain that ultimately result in addiction. 

ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
The orthomolecular approach views alcoholism as a nutrient deficiency disease that afflicts those with an addictive biochemistry. The orthomolecular approach guides the patient in addressing his or her biochemical imbalances as the means to managing the addiction. It also corrects nutritional illnesses known to those suffering the physical and mental effects of alcohol addiction including depression, mental/physical fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, paranoia, and emotional instability.
Orthomolecular treatment of alcoholism examines the diet with a particular focus on sugar. Often, sugar will be eliminated from the diet completely, as it is considered the main source of addiction. Most alcoholics are suspected to have developed a sugar addiction in childhood that later develops into alcoholism. Good diet alone will not be sufficient to reduce the symptoms of alcoholism and will likely be complimented with vitamin therapy focusing on the B vitamins and vitamin C.
Orthomolecular treatment of alcoholism could include the use of the following supplements:
  • Vitamin C
  • B-complex tablet comprising of each of the major B-vitamins (note: Niacin is the most important single treatment for alcoholism)
  • L-Glutamine
  • Lecithin
  • Chromium
  • A good high-potency multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplement, containing magnesium and the antioxidants carotene and d-alpha tocopherol
* A specialized program can be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner nearest you.

REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Articles and Resources
  • Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, July 1, 2005. Treatment Protocol for Alcoholism.
  • http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n06.shtml
  • Smith, M.D. Russell. “A Five-Year Field Trial of Massive Nicotinic Acid Therapy of Alcoholics in Michigan”. Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry 3.4 (1974)
  • Cleary, John. “Etiology and Biological Treatment of Alcohol Addiction” Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 2.3 (1987)
  • Smith, M.D. Russell. “Status Report Concerning the Use of Megadose Nicotinic Acid in Alcoholics”. Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry. 7.1 (1978)
  • Replogle, William and Eicke, F.J. “Megavitamin Therapy in the Reduction of Anxiety and Depression Among Alcoholics”. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 2.3 (1987)
  • Hoffer, Dr. Abram. “The Megavitamin Revolution”. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
  • Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
  • Kunin, Richard. “Principles That Identify Orthomolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty”. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
  • Harnett, Cindy. “Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins” Times Colonist November 3, 2007.
  • Petralli, Genita. Alcoholism: The Cause & The Cure. City, Prov: Faith With Works, 2004.
  • Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
  • Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Corvallis: First Oregon State University Press, 2006.
  • Williams, RJ, Roach, MK, “Impaired and inadequate glucose metabolism in the brain as an underlying cause of alcoholism–an hypothesis.”, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1966 August; 56(2): 566-571.
  • Hoffer A and Saul AW. Alcoholism: The Vitamin Cure. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2009.
  • From the upcoming book: Hoffer A and Saul AW. Alcoholism: The Vitamin Cure. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2009.

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