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Alcohol can precipitate depression and
other unpleasant symptoms
which the alcoholic knows from experience, can be temporarily
alleviated by alcohol. Yet this only perpetuates the cycle, since
alcohol destroys many natural chemicals. Among these are: the
neurotransmitter norepinephrine -- formed from the amino acids
phenylalanine and tyrosine; endorphins; essential fatty acids needed to
form brain metabolites, including prostaglandin E1 (PGE1); B vitamins,
which supply the brain's energy and maintain mental and emotional
balance; and trace elements and enzymes governing hormonal balance.
STRUGGLING WITH RECOVERY
When alcoholics stop drinking, they believe they will feel better. For
many that doesn't happen. A ten-year study conducted at Johns Hopkins
University demonstrated that the typical alcoholic experiences most of
the following symptoms for years into recovery:
·
Depression
·
Anxiety
·
Hostility
·
Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority
·
Paranoia
·
Phobic Anxiety
·
Psychosis (lack of contact with
reality)
Given the grim outlook it isn't
surprising many alcoholics resume drinking. It's human nature to seek
relief from stress.
The extent of the relapse problem was
demonstrated in a four-year study of 922 alcoholic men treated in seven
hospitals.
Of the 922 men, only 28 percent refrained
from drinking for six months after treatment.
After one year, only 21 percent remained
abstinent.
After four years, only 7 percent remained
abstinent.
Research reveals that many of the
substances the brain uses to generate emotions -- amino acids, enzymes,
essential fatty acids, and neurotransmitters, are diminished or
destroyed by heavy alcohol (or other drug) use.
Yet employing nutrition in the treatment
of alcoholism has only recently been accepted by some as a means to
improve this discouraging situation. Reasons for the resistance to this
approach are another discussion (see Goodwin, "The Tomato Effect:
Rejection of Highly Effective Therapies," Journal of the American
Medical Association (1984) vol. 251, pgs. 2387-2390).
POTENTIAL BIOCHEMICAL CAUSES OF DEPRESSION & ANXIETY
Diminished Omega 6 essential fatty
acid availability
Supplying gamma linolenic acid can dramatically reverse depression in
certain alcoholics--especially those of Scotch, Scandanavian, Welsh, and
American Indian heritage. Alcohol offers temporary relief from
depression thus explaining the continuing cycle.
Diminished Serotonin Availability
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter. Its precursor, tryptophan, is
rendered deficient by alcohol abuse. A shortage of serotonin in brain
synapses leads to depression.
Insufficient Norepinephrine
This neurotransmitter is supplied to the brain by its precursor amino
acid, tyrosine. Tyrosine reverses depression by restoring normal levels
of specific neurotransmitters, which must be present in brain receptors
to prevent depression.
Exposure to substances producing a
brain allergic response of depression
Many painters, hairstylists, garage mechanics, printers and others
constantly exposed to chemical fumes, sprays and dyes experience high
rates of alcoholism. Alcoholics also commonly have food sensitivities
and allergies.
Hypoglycemia
Fifty years ago one of AA's co-founders, Bill Wilson — a hypoglycemic,
contacted AA physicians regarding the risks posed by low blood sugar or
hypoglycemia.(8)
Candida
Alcoholism compromises the immune system and can cause Candida yeast
overgrowth. Depression often results from the central nervous system
toxins generated by Candida-Related-Complex.(4, 9)
RECOVERY RECOMMENDATIONS
Nutrients for Depression (due to
norepinephrine depletion):
1. L-Tyrosine (amino acid)
Dose: 500 mgs. (4-10 capsules daily in equal amounts on an empty
stomach)
OR
L-Phenyalanine
(amino acid) Dose: 500 mgs. (1-3 capsules daily in equal doses on an
empty stomach)
Contraindications:
These amino acids are contraindicated for those who: are pregnant —
unless taken under a physician's supervision; take an MAO inhibitor for
depression; have high blood pressure (take low doses of 100 mgs. at
first and monitor blood pressure as dosage is increased); have PKU (Phenylketonuria)
or
schizophrenia — unless taken under a physician's supervision; have
severe liver damage, or an overactive thyroid.
2.
B Complex Dose 50 mgs. (3 X daily with meals)
3.
Vitamin C Dose: 1,000 mgs. (3 X daily with meals)
Nutrients
for Anxiety
1.
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)
Dose:
100 mgs. (2 capsules, 4 X daily on an empty stomach)
GABA
has a calming effect. In fact, tranquilizers like Valium and Librium
work by stimulating the brain's receptors for GABA.
2.
Chromium Picolinate Dose: 200 mcgs. (1 X daily with meals)
3.
Niacinimide or Niacin Dose: 500 mgs. (3 X daily with meals)
4.
Vitamin C Dose: 1,000 mgs. (3 X daily with meals)
5.
B Complex Dose: 50 mgs. (3 X daily with meals)
6.
Vitamin B6 Dose: 200 mgs. (3 X daily with meals). Some of this is likely
satisfied in your B Complex capsule.
7.
Vitamin E Dose: 200 IUs (3 X daily with meals)
Nutrients for Shakiness, Tremors:
1. Taurine (amino acid) Dose:
500 mgs. (1 capsule on an empty stomach)
2.
Calcium/Magnesium Dose: 300/150 mgs. (2 capsules, 3 X daily with meals)
3.
B Complex Dose: 50 mgs. (3 X daily with meals)
4.
Flaxseed Oil Dose: 1 tablespoon (3 X daily with meals)
Sources
1. Polich, J., Armor, D., & Bracker,
H. (1980). The course of alcoholism: Four years after treatment. Santa
Monica: Rand Corporation, 169-170.
2. Pell, S. & D’Alonzo, D. (1973).
A five year mortality study of alcoholics. Journal of Occupational
Medicine, 15 (2), 120-125.
3. Berglund, M. (1984). Suicide in
alcoholism. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41, 891.
4. Larson, J. M., & Parker, R.
(1987). Alcoholism treatment with biochemical restoration as a major
component. International Journal of Biosocial Research, 9 (1), 92-106.
5. Larson, J. Mathews. (1992).
Alcoholism--the biochemical connection. Villard Books.
6. Beasley, J. (1988). Wrong diagnosis,
wrong treatment. EMIS.
Beasley, J. (1989). How to defeat
alcoholism. New York: Times Books.
7. Erdmann, R. (1989). The Amino
Revolution: The Breakthrough Program That Will Change the Way You Feel.
Simon & Schuster.
8. Wilson, B. (1968). A second
communication to AA physicians. Huxley Institute for Biosocial Research.
9. Trowbridge, J. & Walker, M.
(1986). The yeast syndrome. New York: Bantam Books.
10. DeSoto, C., et al. (1985). Alcoholics
at various stages of symptomology in abstinence. Alcoholism, Clinical
and Experimental Research, 9, 505-512.
Permission granted to reprint with author credit only.
Permission is not granted to reproduce, copy or distribute any part
of this article without prior approval from Ms. Radoff. ©1995 - 2009
Sherry Radoff. All rights reserved.
To contact the office for an appointment, please call
(818) 609-9458, 9am to 5pm (PST), Monday to Friday, excluding holidays,
or via email at sherry@sherryradoff.com
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