Physical addiction to alcohol and associated withdrawal may be accompanied by serious or even life-threatening complications. Therefore, initial treatment for withdrawal from alcohol should always be medically supervised. However, once the acute withdrawal phase has passed, there are several natural- and behavior-based treatments that will help a newly sober alcoholic recover physically and mentally.
Misconceptions
Alcoholics often believe that withdrawing from physical alcohol addiction can be accomplished safely at home, and that sobriety is more meaningful for having done it without help. After all, alcohol is a legal drug that many people consume with no ill effect, so it's easy to assume alcohol is not a serious drug. But alcohol actually is one of the most dangerous drugs from which to withdraw. Withdrawal symptoms, which can last five days or more, may include uncontrollable shaking, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, hallucinations, dehydration, seizures, loss of consciousness, stroke and cardiac arrest. If you are physically addicted to alcohol, see a doctor as soon as possible after quitting drinking. If necessary, go to an emergency room. Fluids may be given by IV, and non-habit-forming medications may be offered to control other symptoms.
Considerations
After acute withdrawal, dealing with cravings is foremost on the mind of newly sober alcohol addicts. The advice may seem cliche, but it remains true -- one of the most effective, natural and completely drug-free ways to cope with the urge to drink is to share the experience with others who are in similar circumstances. This is best done in a structured setting like outpatient or inpatient group therapy, and also in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. AA meeting times and locations can be located on the Internet or the phone book. Meetings are often available at all hours of the day. Some alcoholics attend meetings daily in the first phases of sobriety.
Meditation
Among the coping techniques learned in treatment groups, and also shared in AA meetings, is meditation, and there's sound medical reasoning validating the effectiveness of meditation. Research at the University of Wisconsin reveals that meditation seems to activate the neuroplasticity, or changeableness, of brain function. In other words, the brain can be trained to work differently. For the recovering alcoholics and addicts, this means that over time, meditation may help the brain learn to become calm and content without the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Sleep
Alcoholism often causes disturbed sleep patterns that persist during the first weeks of sobriety. Doctors sometime prescribe a short course -- about 14 days -- of medication to induce sleep at night, but it is also possible to go completely natural during this phase, though sound sleep will probably elude you for at least several days. Even so, avoid over-the-counter sleep medications. Instead, concentrate on establishing a regular bed time and awakening time. Find a single relaxing task to perform just before bed every night. Valerian, melatonin and kava are herbs sometimes used to aid sleep, but always consult your doctor to be sure these remedies are safe for you. See you doctor if you are unable to sleep for three or more days.
Diet
Malnutrition commonly results from alcoholism, both in underweight and overweight individuals. Resuming a well-balanced diet will safely and naturally support any necessary weight gain and rebuilding of muscle. Alcoholics also often suffer from long-term deficiency of the B vitamins due to poor diet and malabsorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. A natural treatment for this, which is also recommended by many doctors, is daily supplements of B vitamins and thiamine, in addition to a multivitamin. Consult your doctor before taking supplements to be sure you do not have liver or kidney problems that contraindicate vitamins.
Exercise
Exercise is a natural remedy that helps rehabilitate both your body and mind in the wake of the debilitating effects of alcohol addiction. Aerobic exercise and strength training will rebuild muscle and strength lost due to malnutrition and inactivity in the later stages of alcohol addiction. Exercise also causes the brain to secrete endorphins which produce a natural feeling of well-being. Regular exercise also helps to re-establish naturally healthy sleep patterns. In the first weeks of recovering from alcohol addiction, your exercise routine might not resemble that of a healthy person. Aerobic exercise in may be a simple walk around the block. Strength training may be a few squats or lunges for your legs, curls and arm raises with very light barbells for your arms, and some tummy crunches for your core.
Tags: alcohol addiction, acute withdrawal, Aerobic exercise, first weeks, from alcohol, newly sober, sleep patterns